Is It Legal and Ethical to Not Mention Kids Under 5 While Booking IRCTC Tickets and Traveling with Them on RAC?

When booking tickets through IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), the rules regarding children and ticketing are quite specific. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand the legal and ethical aspects of traveling with children under the age of 5.

Legal Perspective

Legal Aspects of Traveling with Unbooked Kids Under 5 Years:

Free Travel for Kids Under 5: Kids under the age of 5 years can travel for free without a separate ticket, but they must not occupy a seat. This rule is explicitly stated in the IRCTC guidelines. No Charge for Unmentioned Kids: If you do not mention a child under 5 while booking, you can still travel with them. However, you should ensure they are seated on your lap or not occupying a seat that is meant for another passenger. In this scenario, no charges are applied due to unmentioned children. Charges for Mentioned and Older Kids: Full fare would be charged for a child above 5 years, and a complete seat would be allotted. This applies even if you mention the name of children whose age is less than 5 years; however, the ticket will not reflect this information. IRCTC will store this data only for record-keeping purposes. Removed Half-Ticket Rule for 5-12 Years Children: The half-ticket rule for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years has been removed. Now, these children are charged a full fare.

Comfort and Space of Other RAC Passengers

Traveling with unbooked children under 5 can indeed impact the comfort and space of other passengers. RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) reservations allow passengers to board the train and share a seat with another RAC passenger until a full berth becomes available. If you travel with additional unbooked children, it could lead to discomfort for other passengers as they may have to share their space.

Ethical Considerations and Good Practice

While it may be legally permissible to travel with unbooked children under 5, it is generally considered good practice and courteous to inform the railway authorities and fellow passengers about the number of travelers in your party. Not doing so could be viewed as inconsiderate, especially in terms of space and comfort. Consider the following:

Placing Your Children on Your Lap: Traveling with unbooked children under 5 and ensuring they are seated on your lap or not occupying a seat meant for another passenger is the best practice. This ensures minimal impact on other passengers. Booking Extra Tickets: If you think about your comfort, your kids' comfort, and the comfort of your fellow passengers, you can book extra tickets for your kids by mentioning their age above 5 years. This guarantees a seat for them and reduces any discomfort for others. Transparency: Being transparent about the number of travelers in your party is not only courteous but also ensures a smoother experience for everyone. Informing the authorities can help manage the situation better and potentially evade any conflicts.

Conclusion

While technically, it is not illegal to travel with unbooked children under 5, it is advisable to be transparent and considerate of other passengers, especially in shared spaces like RAC. By adhering to the guidelines and considering the comfort of all, you can ensure a more pleasant travel experience for all involved.