What You Need To Know About An Airline's "Cute Fee" That Sparked A Social Media Discussion

Are you too “cute” to fly? A misunderstanding over the word caught the attention of internet users in India this week over the transparency and justification of various airport charges. Here’s everything you need to know about what transpired.

It Started With A Tweet

On August 19, 2024, X (formerly Twitter) user @_shrayanshsingh attached a screengrab of an IndiGo payment summary with a range of fees with names like “cute charge,” “user development fee” and “aviation security fee.” He questioned what they were for, writing, “Dear @IndiGo6E, 1.What is this 'Cute Fee'? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe that your aeroplanes are cute? 2. What is this 'User Development Fee'? How do you develop me when I travel in your aeroplane? 3. What is this 'Aviation Security Fee'? Am I not paying taxes to the Government for ensuring my safety when I travel? Or has @MoCA_GoI outsourced aviation security to businesses? Kindly respond, because ye tum logo ka zyada ho raha hai ab.”

The tweet quickly went viral, with many users echoing Singh’s concerns and sharing their own experiences with airline fees. @IndiGo6E was quick to respond to Singh’s query by writing, “Hi, we would like to inform you that the Cute charges refer to the Common User Terminal Equipment charge. It is basically the amount that is charged for the use of metal-detecting machines, escalators, and other equipments that are being used at the airport. (1/3).”

Singh quickly followed up with more questions: “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 govt. for the security of airports too? 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.”

A Debate Ensues

This back-and-forth spurred discussion among internet users with some supporting Singh’s stance on the issue while others defended the airline’s need to cover operational costs. For instance, @iamsidi23 wrote, “What world-class metal detectors are you even talking about? At international airports, you don’t even have to remove your laptop and electronics, and the security doesn’t frisk you, plus there’s no “Cute” charge. So, what exactly are you charging for?”

Meanwhile, another user, @indicvedic, wrote, “The airport is operated by a private entity. The airline pays for the equipment and facilities that are utilized.”

The issue of transparency and fairness in airline charges remains a focal point of public discussion. This exchange has highlighted the need for greater clarity in how airline fees are justified and communicated to passengers.

(With inputs from multiple news sources)