A recent Twitter post by advocate Shrayansh Singh questioning IndiGo’s “Cute Fee” has ignited widespread discussion and debate over airport charges and their justification. Singh’s post, which asked whether the fee was for being “cute” or for the airline’s perceived cuteness, has captivated social media users and prompted a notable response from the airline.
IndiGo’s Explanation and Public Response
In his original tweet, Singh questioned the rationale behind the “Cute Fee,” as well as other charges like the “User Development Fee” and “Aviation Security Fee.” He expressed his frustration with the charges, which he found unclear and seemingly arbitrary.
“Dear IndiGo, What is this ‘Cute Fee’? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe that your aeroplanes are cute?” Singh inquired. The tweet quickly garnered attention, with many users expressing their own concerns and curiosities about various airline fees.
Clarification and Ongoing Controversy
IndiGo responded to Singh’s query, explaining that the “Cute Fee” refers to the Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) charge. According to the airline, this fee covers the use of various airport facilities, such as metal detectors, escalators, and other equipment that passengers utilize.
Singh was unsatisfied with the response, arguing that airport security equipment, including metal detectors, falls under the purview of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and should be funded by government resources. “Isn’t this a part of airport security? Aren’t the metal detectors a property of the CISF, which is a security organisation of the government?” he retorted.
Public Debate on Airline Fees
The advocate further emphasized that such infrastructure should be maintained through public funds and tax revenues. His follow-up comments sparked additional debate, with some supporting his viewpoint, while others defended the airline’s explanation.
The conversation has drawn significant attention online, leading to a flurry of comments and reactions from both supporters and critics of Singh and IndiGo. As the debate continues, the issue of transparency and fairness in airline charges remains a focal point of public discussion.