The way the airline business makes money has changed significantly during the last 20 years. One of the most notable shifts has been the increasing reliance on extra fees. These costs, which include anything from seat preference and in-flight refreshments to luggage fees, now make up a sizable portion of airline business strategies. Nonetheless, one IndiGo fee has recently drawn notice from the public.
It all started when the advocate’s X post on IndiGo’s “Cute Fee” drew notice from users. Not only has the man’s message captivated people, but so has his response to the airline’s explanation of this price in their reply.
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Advocate raises questions about IndiGo’s ‘Cute Fee’
Shrayansh Singh, a lawyer and regular traveler, started the discussion by sharing a screenshot of his IndiGo ticket on X and challenging the airline’s justification for the “Cute Fee,” which showed up as a Rs 50 fee on his ticket. In a lighthearted remark, Singh asked whether the airline charged customers for being “cute” or whether it thought its aircraft were “cute.” He continued to voice his displeasure in his message, questioning the need for additional payments like the “User Development Fee” and the “Aviation Security Fee.”
In his post, he wrote,
Dear @IndiGo6E, What is this ‘Cute Fee’? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe that your aeroplanes are cute?
He further inquired,
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What is this ‘User Development Fee’? How do you develop me when I travel in your aeroplane? What is this ‘Aviation Security Fee’? Am I not paying taxes to the Government for ensuring my safety when I travel?
Dear @IndiGo6E ,
1. What is this ‘Cute Fee’? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe that your aeroplanes are cute?
2. What is this ‘User Development Fee’? How do you develop me when I travel in your aeroplane?
3. What is this ‘Aviation… pic.twitter.com/i4jWvXh6UM
— Shrayansh Singh (@_shrayanshsingh) August 19, 2024
How did IndiGo react to the advocate’s post?
In response, IndiGo said that the fees associated with “Common User Terminal Equipment” are what the “Cute Fee” refers to. The airline clarified that these fees were intended to subsidize the expense of airport infrastructure, which includes things like escalators, metal detectors, and other devices that make traveling for passengers safe and easy.
Isn’t this a part of airport security? Aren’t the metal detectors a property of the CISF, which is a security organisation of the govt. for the security of airports too?
The equipment being used at the airport, including the airport buildings itself, are public utility…
— Shrayansh Singh (@_shrayanshsingh) August 19, 2024
IndiGo’s response intensifies advocate’s anger, sparking further debate
Singh, nevertheless, was not pleased with the reply. He contended that as airport infrastructure is a public service, these fees ought to be already paid for by taxes that citizens pay. In response, he fired back, saying,
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Isn’t this a part of airport security? Aren’t the metal detectors a property of the CISF, which is a security organisation of the govt. for the security of airports too? The equipment being used at the airport, including the airport buildings itself, are public utility infrastructure. They are supposed to be maintained by the tax paid by us.
Isn’t this a part of airport security? Aren’t the metal detectors a property of the CISF, which is a security organisation of the govt. for the security of airports too?
The equipment being used at the airport, including the airport buildings itself, are public utility…
— Shrayansh Singh (@_shrayanshsingh) August 19, 2024
The exchange ignited debate, with netizens joining the conversation
Many X users joined the discussion as the debate swiftly gathered traction. Some people sided with Singh, speculating that airlines would soon begin to charge for essential amenities like oxygen used in airports. Others supported the airline, pointing out that these kinds of levies are commonplace worldwide.
Also, ticket ke baad 400 Rs. seat ke bhi do. Badi nainsafi. As if traveling standing in flight is an option. 🥲
— Saurav Nagar (@sauravnagar0404) August 19, 2024
Soon enough, they’ll start delaying flights even more, make us sit at the airport for over two hours, and then charge us a “chair fee” for using the seats while we wait!
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) August 19, 2024
Sir, the taxes we pay are used to fund freebies by parties so that they can be in power.
These taxes of airport, road, security – we have to pay so that they can maintain these things.
— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) August 19, 2024
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Arre bhai, pehli baar travel kar rahe ho kya? This has been part of all air tickets since ages and all airlines charge it, not only indigo.
— Krishna Pophale (@krishnapophale) August 20, 2024
This discussion has brought to light the increasing annoyance of travelers on planes over what they consider to be unreasonable or needless expenses.
What do you think about this new fee? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment sections.
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