BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta complains about Indigo’s inflight service, calls it ‘coercion’

BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, on Monday, alleged that passengers onboard Indigo Airlines flights can’t buy a soft drink without buying a snack. He tagged Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and urged him to look into the matter while urging him to ‘restore the principles of choice to fliers’.

Dasgupta said that the ‘squeezing fliers through all sorts of extras must stop’.

“I discovered in mid-air on an Indigo flight that you can’t buy a soft drink. The airline has made it obligatory to also buy a snack, regardless of whether you want it or not. This is coercion and I urge Minister JM Scindia to restore the principles of choice to fliers. Squeezing fliers through all sorts of extras must stop,” Dasgupta tweeted.

Following the former Rajya Sabha MP’s tweet, several internet users commented and shared their experience with Indigo Airlines.

“IndiGo6E doesn't even provide meals on international flights, forget domestic flights. All major airlines, even Air India and Vistara provide meals and drinks. All major international carriers provide multiple meals if the journey is longer,” a user tweeted.

Adding to the same, another user said, “Completely agree. And there are hardly any window or aisle seats available without paying extra.”

The third one mentioned, “It’s audacious and I totally agree with swapan55. This is just too much. One has to cough out a minimum of Rs 400 even to get a cup of tea because essentially one has to buy snacks with tea whether one likes it OR not. It's loot. Must be stopped forthwith.”

However, while many were seen supporting the concern raised by Swapan Dasgupta, a few users on X said that they had never come across such situations while flying with IndiGo.

One user said, “I have flown IndiGo6E several times both domestic and international, and never faced this, there is no coercion. As for seat selection, most airlines charge for aisle and XL seats. Yes, the price for the food items can be reduced.”

“It sounds strange, Sir! My son is a frequent flier and he hasn't reported anything like that,” read another comment.

Responding to the issues raised by the Rajya Sabha MP, the airline, in a press statement, said , "We have revamped our services to provide an efficient, sustainable, and affordable snack experience." The airline said the customers can enjoy a complimentary beverage with any snack purchased on board.

"Previously, our menu included cashews (INR 200) and a Coke (INR 100), with the total being charged at INR 300. Our updated menu now offers any munchy paired and a glass of juice or coke at INR 200 (the beverage is complimentary). Our buy-on-board service is entirely optional for customers to exercise their choice," Indigo said.