INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Derek O' Brien said Indigo has not responded despite many complaints
luggage policy, said parliamentary panel on civil aviation chairman Derek O' Brien.TMC MP O'Brien, who heads the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Tourism, Culture, Road, Shipping and Aviation, Thursday said the panel had taken strong note that during festive season some
airlines were charging 8-10 times more than the normal fares.Addressing a press conference on the panel's latest report, he said,"Our
committee is very clear that the worst performing airline for consumers is Indigo
All 30 members agreed on this
Indigo has not responded despite many complaints
The way they behave with consumers and charge for just one kg or two kg overweight of air baggage""Every single member (of the panel) is
disgusted with the way some private airlines are operating but more so with Indigo, it is discourteous
The airline is very rigid, Indigo even charges for one-two kg overweight, this has not been taken very well and the committee is looking
into the matter seriously," he said.Derek O'Brien asserted these were not only his views but of all members of the panel who are from
different parties.Underlining that there were many problems in the aviation sector, the TMC leader said, "The committee has recommended that
cancellation charges can't be more than 50 per cent of basic fare
Tax and fuel surcharge collected should be refunded to passengers
Airlines are charging too much."On the luggage policy, Mr Brien said the national carrier had the best luggage policy and the other private
airlines should also enhance the baggage limit."Air India has best luggage policythe maximum luggage limit prescribed by the airlines,
except Air India, should be enhanced," he said, adding that baggage charges are also on higher side.Mr Brien said there are five ministries
under the purview of the standing committee unlike other panels, where there is only one ministry.He also applauded Nitin Gadkari, who is
heading the Shipping Ministry for improvement in cargo handling in India.
