IndiGo charges CUTE fee? Twitterati confused and then this happened

Sometimes acronyms can lead to really odd situations. Oddly enough, it happened to an IndiGo passenger- the airline has been in the news quite frequently recently. He shared a screenshot of the ticket fare and there was something in it that netizens just could not wrap their heads around it. Reason? Indigo charged something called a “cute fee” from the flier. Yes, it was mentioned in the ticket fare breakup. Let us explain. It all started when a Twitter user by the name of Shantanu took to his handle and shared his IndiGo flight ticket. He was quite at a loss about one charge that was mentioned there- ‘cute charge’. While most everyone is familiar with the seat fee, convenience fee, Airport security fee, user development fee as well as the main AirFare charges, this 'cute' fee floored him. He shared the ticket fare on Twitter with a dose of sarcasm and humour, "I know I’m getting cuter with age but never thought @IndiGo6E would start charging me for it."

The tweet soon went viral, and Twitterati did not pull their punches in their reactions. One Twitter user pointed out, "No worries, I can pay Rs. 100 if someone is referring to me as cute. Pain of singles. Btw why I would be charged for airport security, yes I mean tick tick sound coming from my bag, but that's clock (sic)." Another took the “cute charges” more seriously, and questioned the authorities by saying, “Seems day is near when we will charge for Security fee ground staff, Boarding pass fee, Charge for pilot and co pilot service, Air hostesses service, Water supply fee, Toilet service fee, Trolly service charges etc.”

However, several others tried to explain what this fee is all about. They came out with the facts of the case and instantly killed off all the banter. This “cute charge” actually stands for Common User Terminal Equipment charge. It is basically the amount that is charged for the use of metal detecting machines, escalators and other equipment that are being used at the airport. It is also referred to as ``passenger handling fee”.

So many charges! Not cute at all.