Now, MPs seek auto upgrade to business class on flights

NEW DELHI: MPs should be automatically upgraded to business class by airlines in case there are seats available, members of the parliamentary consultative committee on civil aviation have demanded.

Committee members told civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju that an upgrade, if available, should be the norm for all airlines including private ones. The minister heads the consultative committee.

The suggestion was put forward at a meeting that also saw MPs complain that the food menu offered by airlines was repetitive. Airlines should be asked to regularly review the food served so as to alter the menu.


The demand for an upgrade comes at a time when MPs have been in the news for unruly behaviour with airline staff. TDP MP Diwakar Reddy was accused of roughing up IndiGo staff after being denied a boarding pass on Thursday.

Some months ago, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad assaulted an Air India staffer claiming that his business class ticket from Pune to Delhi was not honoured.

It was not clear when the meeting of the consultative committee took place. Some members said the deliberations took place some months ago while other accounts said a meeting was held recently.