A recent social media post by an advocate has sparked a lively discussion online, as he questioned IndiGo Airlines about a fee labeled as the “Cute Fee.” The advocate’s humorous yet critical question, along with the airline’s response, has caught a lot of attention.
On X (formerly Twitter), Shrayansh Singh, an advocate, asked IndiGo, “Dear IndiGo, what is this ‘Cute Fee’? Do you charge passengers for being cute, or do you think your planes are cute?” He also expressed frustration with other charges, like the “User Development Fee” and the “Aviation Security Fee.”
In reply, IndiGo explained, “Hi, the Cute Fee stands for Common User Terminal Equipment charge. It’s the amount for using metal detectors, escalators, and other airport equipment.”
Singh was not convinced by this explanation and responded, “Isn’t this part of airport security? The metal detectors are owned by CISF, a government security agency. Shouldn’t these be covered by our taxes?”
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)
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 19, 2024
He also argued, “Airport equipment, including the buildings, is public infrastructure and should be maintained by the taxes we pay.”
How did people react?
The conversation quickly went viral, with many users joining in. Some supported Singh, while others defended the airline.
One user joked, “What’s next? Charges for fuel nozzles at petrol stations? Maybe I shouldn’t give them ideas.”
Another asked, “What about charges for breathing? Passengers use oxygen in airports and planes—where’s that tax breakdown?”
A third commenter noted, “These questions come up when people choose a plane ticket over a bus ticket. In some countries, airport taxes cover these fees instead of separate charges like UDF or CUTE.”
A fourth user clarified, “Airlines aren’t to blame. CUTE/User Development Fee/Passenger Service Fee are set by the Airport Authority to maintain the airports. Airlines just collect these fees as part of the ticket price.”