What is the ‘cute fee’ that fueled a debate between a passenger and this airline?
It is no secret that airfares Prices are reaching their limits right now. Added to this misery are the various other charges that airlines impose on travelers: user development fees, fuel charges, airline-imposed surcharges… the list goes on. But have you heard of the “cute” charges?
Shrayansh Singh, a Lucknow-based advocate, recently raised eyebrows on social media after discovering a “cute charge” on his Indigo airline ticket. The peculiar fee, which was listed among other charges such as “user development fee” and “aviation security fee,” led Singh to question the airline’s logic.
In an interview with X, Singh humorously wondered whether the airline was charging passengers for its own beauty or simply acknowledging the beauty of its planes. His post quickly attracted attention and sparked a broader debate about transparency and the justification of airport fees.
In response, IndiGo clarified that the “Cute Charge” is actually a Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) charge, which covers the use of airport facilities such as escalators and metal detectors. However, Singh was not convinced and maintained that airport security equipment, often run by government agencies such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), should be funded by the government. He also expressed frustration with the unclear and seemingly arbitrary charges. He questioned the airline about the “User Development Fee”, asking how it contributes to his personal development while flying. He also questioned the “Aviation Security Fee”, suggesting that his taxes should already cover the necessary security measures. “Airlines have commoditised space to the extreme,” he wrote on X.
The conversation sparked a heated debate online, with many users siding with Singh and criticizing the airline for what they perceived as unfair charges. Others defended the airline, explaining that such fees are standard practice in the aviation industry. “Just because it’s been going on for a long time doesn’t make it right,” Singh said.
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