The Biden administration has proposed a new rule that would prohibit airlines from charging parents extra fees to sit next to their children, potentially saving families up to $200 per round trip flight. This move aims to alleviate additional stress and costs for parents when flying with their kids. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard both emphasized the importance of allowing parents to be seated next to their children on flights without incurring additional fees, calling it a common-sense practice that should be standard.
President Joe Biden had previously mentioned the plan to implement this rule in his 2023 State of the Union address as part of the administration’s efforts to protect consumers from excessive fees. The rule would require airlines to seat children aged 13 and under next to their parents within 48 hours of ticket purchase, with the option of a refund if adjacent seats are not available. While some airlines already do not charge extra for seating children next to adults, the proposed mandate is still subject to a public comment period and is not expected to be enacted until next year.
Airlines for America, an industry lobbying group representing major carriers in the US, stated that its member airlines make every effort to accommodate customers traveling together, especially those with children, and do not charge a family seating fee. However, a federal appeals court recently blocked a rule that would have required airlines to disclose the total cost of a trip including checked baggage fees, indicating ongoing disputes over transparency in airline pricing practices. Despite the legal challenges, the Biden administration’s fee-free family seating proposal aims to provide relief to parents and help make family travel more affordable.
The proposed rule to ban family seating fees is part of the administration’s broader efforts to protect consumers from so-called “junk” fees and ensure transparency in airline pricing. By requiring airlines to seat children with their parents at no extra cost, the rule aims to make family travel more accessible for working Americans who may be financially burdened by additional fees. While some airlines already offer complimentary seating for children under 13 next to accompanying adults, the proposed mandate seeks to establish a standard industry practice that does not penalize families for sitting together on flights.
As the rule goes through a public comment period and awaits enactment, the potential savings of up to $200 per round trip flight for families could make a significant difference for those considering whether to take a family trip. The Biden administration’s commitment to protecting consumers from excessive fees and ensuring fairness in travel pricing is reflected in this proposal, which aims to remove barriers to family travel and make flying a more affordable and stress-free experience for parents. Airlines’ efforts to accommodate families traveling together are crucial in creating a positive and inclusive travel environment that prioritizes the well-being and convenience of passengers, especially those with children.
