New Guidelines for Traveling with Kids on Airplanes

Traveling with kids on airplanes just became significantly less stressful. New guidelines from the government now recommend that airlines seat parents alongside their children under 13 “to the maximum extent practicable and at no additional cost.”

Navigating the Airport Adventure

Navigating the airport with children can be quite the adventure—long lines at check-in, juggling multiple bags, and the chaos of security checks. Many parents can relate to the frustration of dealing with picky eaters who refuse the snacks packed with care. However, the recent update from the Department of Transportation brings some relief for families flying together.

Office of Aviation Consumer Protection’s Statement

The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) has stated that while complaints about seating arrangements are relatively few, “even one complaint is significant for the impacted travelers.” Airlines are now urged to ensure that young children are seated next to at least one accompanying adult without incurring extra fees. In four months, the OACP plans to review how airlines are implementing this guidance and may introduce further regulations if necessary.

Important Details to Consider

There are some important details to consider: while airlines must seat young kids next to an accompanying adult, they are not obligated to seat the entire family together. This scenario could lead to passing snacks and devices up and down the aisles, much to the amusement of fellow passengers. Also, the guidelines do not require airlines to upgrade seats to those with extra legroom or different cabin classes without additional payment.

Making the Most of the New Policy

To make the most of this new policy, families should:

Book tickets allowing for seat selection.
Ensure all members are on the same reservation.
Reach out to the airline about any specific seating needs prior to their flight.

While these updates won’t guarantee a pleasant flight experience, they will help ensure that no child is left sitting alone without a guardian. And for older kids? They might still prefer to pay extra for the chance to avoid sitting next to their parents.

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Conclusion

In summary, the new guidelines from the government are designed to make air travel easier for families by ensuring that parents can sit next to their children without additional costs. While it won’t solve all the challenges of flying with kids, it does provide some comfort knowing that families can be seated together, at least in part.