- United Airlines’ new policy makes it cheaper for families to fly together.
- The Biden administration is urging airlines to reform their policies.
- According to United Airlines, customers will soon see options for adjacent seats.
United Airlines is rolling out a new policy that allows children to sit next to accompanying adults at no additional charge.
On Monday, the company said that made changes Adults can sit next to children under 12 at no additional charge. The seat map tool customers use when booking will first look for an adjacent lower priced ‘economy’ seat, but will offer a ‘free upgrade to any available preferred seat’ if needed.
Policy changes include customers purchasing basic economy ticketthere are generally more restrictions on seat selection.
“Customers traveling with children under the age of 12 will soon see the adjacent seat option, and the full policy change will take effect in early March,” the company said. . said in a press release.
T.His move targets what the Biden administration calls “junk fees,” charges designed to deceive customers, charges not revealed until after purchase, or consumers with limited alternative options. It could be part of a response to efforts to crack down on fees. According to management, these include unexpected overdraft charges, hotel resort fees and event ticket processing fees.
last July, transportation bureau A notice has been issued to airlines asking them to “do everything possible to ensure that children under the age of 13 are seated next to an accompanying adult at no additional charge.” early this month, White House asks Congress To “rush the ban on family seat fees”.
Most airlines, including United, already taking measures Allow families to sit together, whether during the booking process or at the gate. Additionally, a DOT notice last year said the agency had “a low number of consumer complaints about family seats.” That said, changes to United’s policy suggest there’s room for improvement when it comes to accommodating families.
It remains to be seen if other major U.S. airlines will take similar steps.For example, when United scrapped some ticket change fees in 2020, American and Delta quickly followed suit. .
United Airlines said it plans to roll out more “family-friendly features” this year, but didn’t specify what those would be.
“At a time when more families are working in hybrid environments, they are traveling more and flying with United,” said Linda Jojo, chief customer officer of United Airlines. We’re focused on providing that parent with a great experience, and we know that often starts with the right seat.”