Air passenger rights vary from one country to another. The rights in India include compensation for flight delays, cancellations, being denied boarding, and the loss or damage of baggage. Despite this, passengers who frequently visit foreign nations tend to feel protected by the regulations.

General Rules

For domestic bookings, customers can make any changes or cancellations free of charge within 24 hours of booking, if booked at least 7 days before the travel dates

Flight Delay

The airline must provide complimentary hotel accommodation with transfers if the delay surpasses 24 hours. Individuals who checked in on time and faced a delay of 2 hours or more will receive complimentary meals and drinks, subject to the waiting time mentioned below:
Duration Compensation
Less than 24 Hrs You are entitled for meals & refreshments at airport
More than 24 Hrs You are entitled for hotel accommodation with transfers
Note: Any compensation claim is not liable in case of exceptional circumstances that may involve events beyond the airline's control. Whether or not it causes the cancellation/delay of flight(s) or affects the airlines' ability to operate flights on schedule, and whether the aircraft was prevented by any measures taken.

Denied Boarding

Overbooking is when there are more reserved seats than available spaces on the craft, and the following procedures ensue:

The airline is required to request passengers to willingly surrender their seats in return for rewards or amenities.
If the airline finds it necessary to refuse boarding to passengers without their consent, then the following regulations are in place:
Duration between Alternate flight and Scheduled Departure Time Compensation
1 hour No Compensation
Within 24 hours 200% of booked one-way basic fare + airline fuel charge, capped at INR 10,000
Exceeding 24 hours 400% of booked one-way basic fare + airline fuel charge, capped at INR 20,000
If Passenger deny for an alternate flight Full refund of ticket fare + compensation of 400% of booked one-way basic fare + airline fuel charge, capped at INR 20,000

Flight Cancellation

Airline is required to refund the ticket in case you are not willing to travel on its alternate or the subsequent flight or on another airline’s flight.
Airline is bound to provide you alternate travel opportunities at no additional cost, if you so desire.
If you have already reported at the airport to undertake journey on original flight and waiting for the alternate flight, airline is bound to provide you meals and refreshments.
Situation Compensation
Passenger informed 2 weeks prior to scheduled departure time Alternate Flight / Refund of fare
Passenger informed less than 2 weeks and up to 24 hours prior to scheduled departure time Alternative flight with scheduled departure time within 2 hours of booked scheduled departure time of cancelled flight
Passenger not informed and reports on time for original cancelled flight Refund + meals/refreshments (subject to wait time):
Inadequate contact information provided by passenger No Financial Compensation. In such cases airlines will either refund the ticket prices or make reasonable endeavor to make alternate travel arrangements as per the choice of passengers.

Force Majeure Circumstances

You will not be entitled for compensation on account of cancellations and delays caused due to extraordinary circumstance(s) beyond the control of the airline, such as:
Natural disaster
Civil war
Political instability
Security risks
Insurrection or riot, flood, explosion, etc.
Government regulation or order affecting the aircraf.
Strikes and labour disputes causing cessation
Meteorological conditions
Cancellations and delays clearly attributable to Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Slowdown or interruption of work or any other causes that are beyond the control of the airline but which affect their ability to operate flights on schedule

Baggage Rules

Safety Instruction

Before travel, you must check that size of your hand baggage is as per the dimensions specified by the airline. Oversized hand baggage can lead to overloading and create safety hazard.
Avoid carrying dry cell batteries, knives, alcohol, scissors, sharp instruments, tools, fire arms, ammunition and their toy replicas in the hand baggage as these items are prohibited.
For safety and security, you should carry currency, precious metals, jewellery, negotiable instruments, securities, personal identification documents and other items of value in your hand baggage.

Charges

Please check the following from the airline you intend to fly:
Free baggage allowance
Charges for baggage beyond free limit.
Charges for special equipment like musical, sport, arms & ammunition, etc.

Compensation

You should check the liability of airlines in case of loss, damage or delayed baggage.
In case of loss, damage or delayed baggage, you are required to contact airline and collect Property Irregularity Report (known as PIR) before leaving the airport. You will also need to put in a written claim to the airline.
In case of damaged baggage, airline may pay you for repair of your baggage or provide replacement baggage.
Airline is liable to pay you compensation in case of loss, damage or delayed baggage as per the provisions of The Carriage by Air Act, 1972.

Booking Issues

Be careful about time

Some airlines use 24 hour clock time while displaying available flights. You may wrongly book a flight departing at 04:31pm rather than 04:31am and may miss your flight.
While making booking online, double-check the dates, time of flight(s) and your names as indicated in the passport or ID Card.

Be careful about spellings

Misspelt name on a booked ticket may lead to the following complications:
Refusal for reimbursement by your office for official journey.
Denial of entry into airport by security due to mismatch in the name on your identity card and the booked air ticket.
Denial by airline at the time of check-in.
Denial by immigration authorities.
If anything entered wrongly, airline may charge for the changes in the ticket.

Airfare Component

Your airfare comprises of

Airline component
Basic fare
Airline fuel charge
Common User Terminal Equipment Fee (if applicable)
Convenience Fee (if booking made through internet using debit/ credit card)

Airport Authority of India
Passenger Services Fee

Airport Operator
Airport Development Fee
User Development Fee

Government
Service Tax