Families Rejoice: Biden Administration Proposes Ending Airline Fees for Seating Children Next to Parents

In a move aimed at easing the burdens faced by families when traveling by air, the Biden administration has proposed a new rule that would prohibit airlines from charging additional fees for parents to sit with their children. This proposal, if enacted, could potentially save families up to 0 per round-trip flight, providing much-needed relief during a time when the costs of travel can be particularly daunting.

A Welcomed Relief for Families Navigating the Skies

Addressing the Challenges of Family Travel

The proposed rule recognizes the unique challenges faced by parents when flying with their children. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged that "Families don't need any additional stresses or costs when flying on top of how demanding it can be to be a parent flying with your kids." This sentiment is echoed by Lael Brainard, the Director of the National Economic Council, who stated, "No parent should have to pay a fee to sit with their child when they fly. It's just that simple."The administration's move is part of a broader effort to protect consumers from what they refer to as "junk" fees, which can add significant costs to various aspects of daily life. In his 2023 State of the Union address, President Joe Biden specifically called out the practice of airlines charging families to sit together, stating, "Baggage fees are bad enough – they can't just treat your child like a piece of luggage."

Potential Savings for Families

The proposed rule could provide substantial financial relief for families, with the administration estimating that it could save a family of four up to 0 per round-trip flight. While this may not seem significant to wealthier Americans, the administration recognizes that for many working families, these savings could be the deciding factor in whether or not they can afford to take a family vacation.

Existing Airline Policies

It's worth noting that some airlines already have policies in place that accommodate families traveling with children. According to the Department of Transportation's dashboard, airlines such as Alaska, American, Frontier, and JetBlue will seat children under 13 next to "an accompanying adult" at no additional cost. However, the proposed rule would standardize this practice across the industry, ensuring that all families have access to this basic accommodation.

The Road Ahead

The proposed rule still needs to go through a public comment period before it can be enacted, and the administration has indicated that it is unlikely to be implemented until sometime next year. This timeline allows for further refinement and input from stakeholders, including airlines and consumer advocacy groups.Despite the potential challenges, the Biden administration's proposal to eliminate fees for families to sit together on flights represents a significant step forward in addressing the needs of traveling families. By prioritizing the well-being and financial considerations of parents and their children, this initiative has the potential to make air travel more accessible and enjoyable for families across the United States.