Legal Question in Consumer Law in India

Dear Sir / Madam,

I booked Air India Ticket from Chennai to Mumbai on 23.02.14 with Airline Ref. No. YZP3M 4342756153 and the details of the flight are AI-343 - Departs Chennai 1110 - Arrives Mumbai 1300 on 23.02.2014.

Air India did not send any SMS to board 1 hour before departure that I have to board in international terminal or domestic terminal. Since it is a Domestic Flight, I went to Domestic Terminal and there they said you have to go to international terminal. Eventhough I came to Airport on time as no SMS had come from Air India, I lost time of about 1/2 hour going here and there. When I checked in at 1025 hours at international terminal the lady in boarding pass counter declined and did not help me to board the flight, which starts at 11.10a.m. She said boarding time is over and you may get out. I enquired for refunds or change to next flight and they told not possible. There was still 45 minutes time left and Air India could have helped board the Flight. Then I lost about Rs. 3500/- for the No Show ticket and I booked last minute Indigo Flight at 12.30 p.m. for Rs. 9570/- and came to Mumbai. Totally I lost Rs. 13,070/-, which I requested Air India to send a crossed A/c Payee cheque to my address. Whether I can proceed in Consumer Court for claiming the amount. Whether it is advisable or will it be a waste exercise. V. Ravi, 1st Floor, G.V. Residency, Sowripalayam, Coimbatore - 641 028.


Asked on 3/10/14, 7:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fca Prashant Chavan Expert Edge LLP

11.03.2014

Dear V Ravi,

It is well conceived and understood that all Air India flights depart from the International Terminal only. For Air India flying on domestic sectors en route to a destination overseas, you are required to report at the Counter Check-in an hour prior to departure of the flight i.e by 10:10 hours. Air India may have charged you Rs. 5,005/- or less depending on the date and time you booked your ticket (the rule followed being the more the number of days between the booking date and time and the actual date and time of departure; the lesser the fare). In my opinion, iff the actual fare for the Chennai - Mumbai sector charged to you by Air India at the time of booking your flight is more than Rs. 9,570/-, it makes sense to lodge a representation in the Consumer Court for claiming of the differential incremental fare amount.

Regards,

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Answered on 3/10/14, 8:58 pm


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