Image showing cute charge (X/shrayanshsingh)
New Delhi: As travellers, we’re all familiar with the range of fees that airlines tack onto our ticket prices. Recently, some new charges have sparked curiosity and confusion among passengers. Here’s a breakdown of three particular fees that have come under scrutiny, the "Cute Fee," the "User Development Fee," and the "Aviation Security Fee."
A passenger who booked a flight from Lucknow to Bengaluru with IndiGo noticed a curious entry on his ticket's payment breakdown - a 'Cute Fee'. He jokingly inquired with the airline whether this fee was being levied on passengers for their physical attractiveness or if IndiGo was simply acknowledging the cuteness of its planes.
A user of X platform named Shrayansh Singh shared a post and captioned that read, “Dear @IndiGo6E, what is this ‘Cute Fee’? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe that your aeroplanes are cute?” wrote Shrayansh Singh on X (formerly Twitter).
The passenger further questioned IndiGo about additional fees on his ticket, asking: “What is this ‘User Development Fee’? How do you develop me when I travel in your aeroplane? What is this ‘Aviation Security Fee’? Am I not paying taxes to the Government to ensure my safety when I travel? Or has the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India outsourced aviation security to businesses?” He sought clarification on the purpose of these fees and how they relate to his travel experience.
He also shared a screenshot of his ticket price breakdown, which revealed that the airline imposes various charges, notably a mysterious 'Cute Charge', alongside other fees.
Take a look at the post:
Dear @IndiGo6E ,
— Shrayansh Singh (@_shrayanshsingh) August 19, 2024
1. What is this 'Cute Fee'? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe that your aeroplanes are cute?
2. What is this 'User Development Fee'? How do you develop me when I travel in your aeroplane?
3. What is this 'Aviation… pic.twitter.com/i4jWvXh6UM
Following the post's viral spread, IndiGo clarified the charges in a response, stating: “Cute charges refer to the Common User Terminal Equipment charge. It is basically the amount that is charged for the use of metal-detecting machines, escalators, and other equipment that are being used at the airport.” The airline explained that the 'Cute Charge' was actually a misnomer for a standard airport equipment fee."
Hi, we would like to inform you that the Cute charges refer to the Common User Terminal Equipment charge. It is basically the amount that is charged for the use of metal-detecting machines, escalators, and other equipments that are being used at the airport. (1/3)
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 19, 2024
The User Development Fee (UDF) is an airport charge that varies by location, aimed at supplementing the operator's revenue and ensuring a fair return on investment.
This fee covers the cost of utilizing various airport facilities, including metal detectors, escalator and other equipment, to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience.
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