Official announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Biden Administration Proposes Rule to Ban Family Seating Fees on Airlines

Aug 1, 2024, 02:20 PM

The U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed a new rule that would prohibit airlines from charging fees for families to sit together. Announced on Thursday, this measure, supported by the Biden administration, aims to eliminate so-called 'junk fees' and alleviate a common travel issue for families. The rule would require airlines to seat parents next to their children, aged 13 and under, without additional charges if adjacent seats are available during booking. The proposal is expected to save families up to $200 per roundtrip flight, contributing to broader efforts to lower travel costs and combat price gouging. The rule applies to both U.S. and foreign airlines.