BJP leader complains about flight cancellation charge irregularities, Pralhad Joshi promises action

New Delhi: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Saturday announced that he has directed a probe into online air ticket booking platforms on the allegation of imposing exorbitant cancellation charges that exceed what airlines actually levy or disclose at the time of booking.

In a post on X, Joshi said he has instructed the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate the practices of these platforms.

“Have directed them to check other online ticket booking platforms too,” he added.

The minister warned that such practices, if found to be unfair or in violation of consumer rights, could amount to Unfair Trade Practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

He assured that the CCPA would take necessary action, including class action measures, to safeguard consumer interests.

Joshi announcement follows a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national secretary Tajinder Bagga, who mistakenly booked a flight to Navi Mumbai instead of Mumbai through the online platform Agoda.

Bagga posted on X claiming that Agoda quoted a cancellation fee of ₹4,764, resulting in a refund of just ₹1,571. In contrast, the Akasa Air website showed a cancellation charge of only ₹299 and a refund of ₹6,076.

Bagga also claimed that Akasa Air’s customer care confirmed the airline’s actual cancellation fee was ₹299, but since the booking was made through a third-party platform, the refund process was handled by Agoda.

“Charging 15x the airline’s actual cancellation fee for the same ticket feels completely unethical,” Bagga posted on X, tagging Akasa Air and Agoda India.

Bagga’s allegation has led to social media discussion about online flight booking platforms sometimes charging cancellation fees that exceed the charges set by airlines.

Social media users have also pointed to practices by other ticket booking platforms.

Many also pointed out that under DGCA rules, passengers are eligible for a full refund if a ticket is cancelled within 24 hours of booking, provided the departure date is at least seven days away. This rule applies only when the booking is made directly through the airline’s official website.