United Airlines reduce family seating fees

United Airlines has announced a new policy that will make it easier and less expensive for families to travel together. This policy, which is set to take effect in early March, will allow adults to sit next to children younger than 12-years-old without paying an additional cost. This policy change includes customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets, which generally have more restrictions on seat selection. This policy follows the Biden Administration's efforts to crack down on what it calls "junk fees" and comes after the Department of Transportation issued a notice to airlines last July urging them to do everything in their power to ensure that children who are age 13 or younger are seated next to an accompanying adult with no additional charge. Whether other major US airlines will take similar steps remains to be seen. United has said it is planning to roll out more "family-friendly features" this year but has not revealed any specifics. This policy is a welcome move for families who are flying more often and it is a reminder that the airline industry is evolving to meet the needs of the 21st century traveler.