The Department of Transportation is proposing a rule that would prevent airlines from charging additional fees to seat families together on flights, with a particular focus on children aged 13 or younger sitting next to their parents or accompanying adults. President Joe Biden has expressed his concerns about these fees and urged airlines to revise their policies. Several carriers, including American, JetBlue, Frontier, and Alaska, have already made changes to allow families to sit together at no extra cost. The proposed rule could potentially save a family of four up to $200 per round-trip if seat selection fees are $25 each.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg supports the rule, emphasizing that families flying with children already face enough stresses and costs without the added burden of seat assignment fees. He believes that preventing families from sitting together can create difficult situations on flights for both passengers and flight crews. The rule would require airlines to provide adjacent seats for children within 48 hours of booking, or allow them to sit directly across the aisle, in front of, or behind their accompanying adult. Families would also have the option of a refund if adjacent seats are not available at the time of booking or to wait for availability closer to departure.
In addition to the family seating rule, the Department of Transportation has also proposed a separate “junk fee” disclosure rule that would require airlines to disclose fees such as baggage, seat selection, change, and cancellation fees upfront. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked this rule pending further review, citing concerns about the authority of the DOT to enforce such a rule and the potential harm to airlines. The DOT has stated that it will defend the rule, arguing that the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act supports their ability to propose such regulations.
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Overall, the proposed rule on family seating aims to ensure that families can sit together on flights without facing additional fees. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Biden Administration to address consumer concerns and improve the flying experience for families. As the DOT continues to push for transparency and fairness in airline pricing, the industry is faced with new regulations that may impact their revenue streams but ultimately benefit passengers. The ongoing legal challenges and debates surrounding these rules highlight the complexities of regulating the airline sector and balancing the interests of airlines and consumers.
