Traveling with kids is already a challenge, but when it comes to securing proper seating, it can feel like a nightmare. A recent incident involving a four-year-old being seated 11 rows away from their father on a Delta flight, only to have the father charged $88 to change seats, highlights this ongoing issue. It’s baffling that airlines would allow such arrangements, leaving it to fellow passengers to potentially swap seats. This situation is unfair to everyone involved.
Lesson Learned:
Always assume that airlines will not prioritize seating you next to your young child. Booking well in advance is crucial.
Take the case of Mark Thompson, who recently traveled with his daughter to visit family in Montgomery, Alabama. When he booked their tickets, no seats were available together. Rather than risk being separated, he decided to ask the ticket agent for a seat change at the airport. Unfortunately, he was met with the same frustrating response—an $88 fee to sit together. After spending $1,200 on tickets, he boarded to find numerous empty seats available. This maddening experience prompted him to share his story online.
As a parent, I can’t imagine sitting next to an unsupervised four-year-old, and I’m a mom myself. It’s a stressful situation for the child, the parent, and the hapless traveler who suddenly becomes a makeshift babysitter. When airlines neglect to assist parents in ensuring they sit next to their little ones, it forces parents to ask fellow passengers for help—a scenario that benefits no one.
If you’re flying with children, planning your travel far enough in advance is ideal, but it’s not always feasible. If you find yourself unable to secure adjacent seats during booking, consider reaching out to the airline for assistance. Don’t leave it to chance or hope for a sympathetic ticket agent—there’s no guarantee.
Airlines are aware of children in your reservation; for instance, Jet Blue and American Airlines include specific options for kids during booking, while Delta requests gender and date of birth. This process shouldn’t be a juggling act for parents or travelers with companions needing special arrangements. If you want to avoid a travel disaster, clarify seating arrangements before you board.
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Summary:
Traveling with kids can be complicated, especially when airlines don’t prioritize seating arrangements for families. It’s essential to plan ahead and communicate with airlines to ensure a smoother travel experience. By understanding the airline’s processes and being proactive, parents can reduce stress during travel.