A district consumer disputes redressal forum here has directed an international airline to pay ₹79,000 compensation to a Delhi-based couple after it allegedly downgraded them to economy class despite having booked business class tickets. The consumer panel said, “The inconvenience, harassment and compensation, we are of the considered view that the downgrading from business class seat to economy class was on account of last minute ‘aircraft change’ on account of some technical fault, which necessitated such change.”
The directions came when the complainants approached the consumer forum alleging that despite having booked business class tickets for an amount of ₹98,000 each, on reaching the airport they were informed that only one business class seat is available.
“It is alleged that the complainant paid higher considerations for availing comfort and travel in business class…[Further] it is alleged that the economy class fare was of ₹44,000 and the complainant was entitled to get a refund,” read the allegations.
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Directing the airline to refund the balance amount of ₹54,000 the consumer forum also ordered an additional compensation of ₹25,000 towards harassment.