Complimentary tickets are normally issued by the airlines in their commercial interests, to tour promoters, travel writers, media personnel, important commercial contacts and promotional schemes/events etc to encourage and promote travel on the national carriers.

Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh, informed Lok Sabha on Wednesday  that complimentary tickets are normally issued by the airlines (Air India and private) in their commercial interests, to tour promoters, travel writers, media personnel, important commercial contacts and promotional schemes/events etc to encourage and promote travel on the national carriers. This is practice adopted by all airlines worldwide in line with corporate policy and on the basis of anticipated advantage and benefit to airline. These passages do not have revenue implications and airlines do not incur losses as these tickets holders are generally accommodated only after accommodating the revenue paying passengers.  During the last three years viz. 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, Air India has issued 258, 449 and 93 complimentary tickets, the reply informed.  (ssns)