Mr. Gupta, the director general of police in Telangana, and his wife Anjali experienced mental agony on a Singapore Airlines business class flight from Hyderabad to Singapore. Their seats did not recline, causing them to stay awake during their 4-hour and 50-minute journey despite paying significantly more for business class tickets than equivalent economy class tickets.
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad ruled in favor of the couple, ordering Singapore Airlines to refund £460 (INR 48,750) to each complainant, totaling £931 (INR 97,500) along with 12 per cent interest. Additionally, the airline was instructed to pay £955 (INR 100,000) for causing mental agony and physical suffering to the couple and £94 (INR 10,000) to cover related expenses.
The Guptas had paid approximately £638 (INR 66,750) for each ticket from India to Australia, including a stopover in Singapore. Despite being offered Kris Flyer miles as compensation, they declined. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled that the Guptas were entitled to compensation due to the malfunctioning seats that failed to recline on their business class flight.
Sign up for Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts. If you are traveling by business class on Singapore Airlines and experience malfunctioning seats that do not recline during your journey, be aware of your rights and seek compensation if necessary.