“Toilet usage fee, seat belt facility fee, life jacket tax, autopilot fee,” netizens expressed outrage at the post.

'X' user Shryansh Singh posted a screenshot with the payment made for the IndiGo flight. In addition to the regular fees, the user noticed that his airfare included something called a “cute fee”. Tagging IndiGo's official account 'X', he asked,What is this 'cute fee'? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe your planes are cute?.''

Indigo's 'Cute Fee' User Questions

The user questioned and asked about the reason for the “cute fee”. What is this 'User Development Fee'? How will you develop me when I travel on your plane?

What is 'Aviation Security Fee'? Am I not paying taxes to the government to ensure my safety while travelling? or is @MoCA_GoI Businesses Outsource Aviation Security? Please respond, because tum logo ka zyada ho raha hai ab.”

dear @IndiGo6E ,

1. What is this 'cute fee'? Do you charge users for being cute? Or do you charge because you believe your planes are cute?

2. What is this 'User Development Fee'? How will you develop me when I travel on your plane?

3. What is 'Aviation'… pic.twitter.com/i4jWvXh6UM

— Shrayansh Singh (@_shrayanshsingh) 19 August 2024

Indigo's response to 'cute fee'

IndiGo responded to Singh's query and explained what the “cute fee” means Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) charges. To which he replied,Hello, We would like to inform you that QUET charges refer to common user terminal equipment charges. This is basically the amount charged for the use of metal-detecting machines, escalators and other equipment used at the airport.

User disputes with IndiGo regarding 'cute fee' charges

Angered by Indigo's response, Singh added, “Isn't this part of airport security? Metal detector is not the property of CISF, which is the security agency of Govt.? Even for airport security?

Airport equipment including airport buildings are public utility infrastructure. They will be maintained by taxes paid by us.”

Isn't this part of airport security? Aren't metal detectors property of CISF, a security agency of the government? Even for airport security?

The equipment used at the airport, including the airport buildings, is a public utility…

— Shrayansh Singh (@_shrayanshsingh) 19 August 2024

Controversy among netizens over 'Air Fare'

Username 'Neeraj Sharma' said, ''''Wonder what the petrol pump charges for fuel nozzles for further use.. Oh sorry I shouldn't give them such ideas.''

A user named AR Mishra said, “This is open loot!! Please also charge dustbin fee, light fee, bench fee, AC fee”

This is blatant loot!! Please charge for this as well

Dustbin fee

Light fee

Bench fee

AC fee

Seating Fee

standing fee

Mobile charging fee

Webseries streaming fee

Cute fee is not cute to pockets at all!!

– Adv. MRMishra (@mrmishraadv) 19 August 2024

“Safe Takeoff Charges, Safe Landing Charges, Turbulence Charges, Cloud Charges, Toilet Usage Fees, Seat Belt Facility Fees, Life Jacket Taxes, Autopilot Fees,” said one user.

Another user said, “What about breathing charges? Are passengers breathing oxygen in airports and airplanes? Where is that tax?''