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Air travel is expensive but there are many charges and fees applied on an air ticket that we don’t pay particular attention to.
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This time, however, advocate Shrayansh Singh has started an online debate around the additional fees charged by IndiGo Airlines called the “CUTE Fee”.
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In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he demanded an explanation about this fee and why the airline was charging it.
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The airline responded and explained that CUTE charges refer to the Common User Terminal Equipment charge.
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It is basically the amount that the airline charges for the use of metal-detecting machines, escalators, and other equipment that is being used at the airport.
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As per a Mint report, this charge is also referred to as a “passenger handling fee” by some airlines.
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Advocate Shrayansh Singh wasn’t convinced by this and asked if this wasn’t “part of airport security?” He then went on to ask if these services come under airport authorities or not and if yes, then their costs should be covered by taxes rather than additional fees levied on passengers.
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In his response, he said, “The equipment being used at the airport, including the airport buildings itself, are public utility infrastructure. They are supposed to be maintained by the tax paid by us.”
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IndiGo is yet to reply to this comment by Shrayansh Singh.
Credits: Instagram/indigo.6e