IndiGo Passenger Charged Extra For Meal Paid By Credit Card; Airline Clarifies

IndiGo is currently making headlines for charging a passenger extra for a meal after he tried to make the payment through a credit card. The passenger took to X to bash the airline. However, IndiGo has now come up with an explanation. Here’s what exactly happened.

IndiGo Passenger Charged Extra For A Meal 

Ordered a meal on IndiGo flight yesterday.

Crew said: ₹400 with complimentary drinks.

Fair enough.

When it came to payment:

Cash → ₹400
Credit card → POS only shows $5 on the machine which turns out to be 460 Rs.

I asked why.

Response: Sir cash 400… card 460, our…

— Bigul Chugh (@bigulchugh) March 24, 2026

Bigul Chugh was recently flying on an IndiGo flight when he ordered a meal. The crew asked for ₹400 with complimentary drinks, which Bigul thought was ‘fair enough’. But when it came to payment, he tried to pay using a credit card, and the total amount jumped to ₹460. Naturally, he questioned it, to which the crew simply answered, “Sir, cash ₹400… card ₹460, our hands are tied.” 

The passenger was visibly angered and questioned why he had to pay 15% extra for using a credit card. Not just that, Bigul also highlighted that India is currently encouraging UPI and cashless payments, and still, this is the scenario. He even tagged IndiGo and asked, “This is what we get onboard?” 

Also Read: IndiGo Pilot Shares Wholesome Moment Of Flying Nani For The 1st Time; Netizens Shower Love

IndiGo Clarifies With A Statement 

Not just that, Bigul also pointed out that the original price of the meal was ₹400, and IndiGo charged him extra not because of taxes or premium services, but just because he chose to pay digitally. According to him, the airline should charge the same price regardless of the payment mode.

IndiGo, however, clarified in the comment section that if a transaction is made via credit card on international flights, it is processed in USD. They also wrote, “The equivalent amount in INR is determined based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of billing, which may vary.” 

The airline further stated that this information is available on their website as well as in the in-flight 6E magazine. Some netizens sided with IndiGo, while others wrote comments like “this is ridiculous” and “these are just silly rules.” 

Also Read: IndiGo Fares Get Costlier! Airline Imposes Fuel Surcharge Up To ₹2300 From March 14

Who do you think is right in this situation?

Cover Image Courtesy: IndiGo, Wikipedia/ BriYYZ and @bigulchugh/X