WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/family-seating/June-2022-notice warned airlines that it may issue regulations prohibiting them from charging extra to seat young children next to accompanying family members.
Citing a 2016 law requiring it to review U.S. airlines’ family seating policies, the agency issued a notice urging airlines to ensure that children 13 or younger sit next to accompanying adults at no extra charge to the maximum extent practicable and said it may take regulatory action later this year after reviewing airline policies.
The DOT said it has received few complaints about the issue, but said “even one thing is too many.”
It added that airlines should implement policies that enable employees to “make immediate adjustments as needed to ensure that young children can be seated next to accompanying adults,” but are not required to provide seats that would result in upgrades.
Airlines that use seat blocking should monitor their capacity to ensure that a sufficient number of seats are blocked to meet the demand for adjacent seats for passengers traveling with young children, the agency said.
Last month, the department noted that the number of U.S. consumer complaints against U.S. airlines more than quadrupled in April compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Travelers are facing a tough summer as airlines face near-record demand and rebuild their staff levels after thousands of workers left the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Airline passengers are facing long lines, crowded airports and few open seats.
American Airlines, which represents Delta, United, American Airlines and others, said, “American Airlines has always been committed to serving customers who travel together, especially those traveling with children, and will continue to do so. Each airline develops policies that fit its individual business model.”
The DOT plans to propose formal rules by August https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202204&RIN=2105-AF04 codifying requirements for airlines to provide prompt refunds when carriers cancel or make significant changes, including when tickets purchased are not refundable.
It also plans to issue rules requiring detailed disclosure of baggage, cancellation and family seat fees at the time of purchase, and a final rule requiring passenger airlines to refund fees for severely delayed baggage and for services such as in-flight Wi-Fi.