Passengers flying Air India will now have to pay more if they choose middle seat in front and middle areas of the aircraft.

As informed by a senior official, this step is likely to get more ancillary revenues. As of now, passengers demanding front seats, bulk head and emergency exit rows are charged since these seats have extra leg space. Now passengers flying with Air India will have to shell more money to get middle seats. It was also stated that seats in rear area, including window, aisle and middle will still remain free of charge. Ancillary revenue which currently accounts to less than 1 percent of total revenues will be increased after this step.

 Charges for reserving middle seat will be 100 rupees for domestic flights and for some of the international flights. The charge for most of the overseas flight for reserving middle seat would be 200 rupees or a fixed amount based on the local currency for that particular destination. Bassinet seats for infants would be free of charge. Paid seat selection facility would be available till 4 hours before departure of flight.