The Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a proposed rule to eliminate airline fees charged for seating families together on flights.
Strongly supported by the Biden Administration, this regulation aims to address ongoing concerns about family seating policies and could save a family of four up to $200 per round-trip if seat selection fees are typically $25 each, according to the DOT.
The new proposal would specifically prohibit airlines from charging fees to seat children aged 13 or younger next to their parents or accompanying adults.
Additionally, airlines must provide adjacent seats within 48 hours of booking and ensure availability in every cabin class. If adjacent seats are not immediately available, the rule mandates that children must be seated directly across the aisle, in front of or behind their accompanying adult.
Airlines would also be required to offer families a refund option if adjacent seats are not available at the time of booking. Families could choose to wait for seats to become available closer to departure. However, should seating together still be impossible before boarding, airlines must allow families to rebook on the next flight with adjacent seats at no extra cost.
In alignment with the DOT's earlier "junk fee" disclosure rule from April, airlines would need to inform customers about the no-fee family seating right on their websites and through customer service centers. The DOT also mentions that airlines could face penalties for each child not seated next to their parent under this regulation.
Some airlines, including Alaska Airline, American Airline, Frontier and JetBlue, already do not charge extra for seating children under 13 next to an accompanying adult, as noted on the DOT’s website.
The proposed rule will undergo a public comment period and is not expected to be enacted until next year.
