The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a brand new proposed rule that might ban airways from charging households a charge to take a seat collectively.
Biden Administration Proposes Ban on Airline Family Seating Fees
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a proposed rule from the Biden-Harris Administration to prohibit airlines from charging families extra fees to sit together. This rule would require airlines to seat parents beside young children for free when adjacent seats are available at booking. Banning these fees could save a family of four up to $200 per round trip if seat fees are around $25 each. This effort supports President Biden’s commitment to fight corporate practices that unfairly raise costs for consumers.
For many families, sitting together is essential—especially when young children need help eating, fastening seatbelts, using the restroom, or communicating. Yet, many airlines still require parents to pay for assigned seats or risk separation from their children. These fees increase the final cost of air travel for many families. Parents who choose not to pay often end up negotiating seating during boarding, adding stress for all passengers. Airlines frequently ask travelers to “voluntarily” give up reserved seats so parents can sit with their kids, sometimes causing frustration.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Many airlines still don’t guarantee family seating, leaving parents uncertain if they’ll need to pay extra just to sit with their young child. Flying with children is already challenging enough without that added worry.” He emphasized that this rule aims to prevent fees for family seating, helping parents sit with their children at no extra cost. This proposal is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s push to lower costs for families and protect consumers from unfair practices.
Family Seating Fees: An Added Burden on Travelers
Family seating fees often inflate travel costs. Sitting together allows families to have a safer, more pleasant travel experience. Parents shouldn’t need to pay extra just to sit with their children on a plane.
These fees are partly due to the airline industry deregulation policies from the 1980s and 1990s, backed by both Republicans and some Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. Now, the Biden administration is reversing practices that have burdened working families. This focus on consumer protection is expected to continue if Vice President Harris wins the upcoming election.
About the Author
Jason is the managing editor and a White House Press Pool and Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, focusing on public policy and social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Jason is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association.
