BUSINESS & ECONOMY

United Airlines introduces a new family seating policy

Feb 21, 2023, 5:00 AM

A man and his son watch a United Airlines plane take off from Comalapa International Airport on Feb...

A man and his son watch a United Airlines plane take off from Comalapa International Airport on February 18 in La Paz, El Salvador. United Airlines has a new seat map feature that will help families with children under 12 find seats together free of charge. Photo credit: Aphotografia/Getty Images

    (CNN) — United Airlines has a new seat map feature that will help families with children under 12 find seats together free of charge, the airline announced on Monday.

The feature will include Basic Economy tickets.

The new seat map technology will dynamically find available adjacent Economy seats at the time of booking and open up complimentary upgrades to other available seats as needed, the airline said.

In cases where side-by-side seats are not available, customers will be able to switch to another flight to their destination with adjacent seats in the same cabin for free. No fare difference will be charged in such cases, United said in a news release.

“We’re focused on delivering a great experience for our younger passengers and their parents and know it often starts with the right seat,” said Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer for United, in a statement.

United Polaris, First Class and Economy Plus seats are not included in the new family seating policy change.

US airline customers have long complained about seating that separates young children from their parents on flights and the added costs associated with purchasing seats in order to sit together.

President Biden addressed the government’s efforts to curb such fees in his State of the Union address this month.

“Baggage fees are bad enough — they can’t just treat your child like a piece of luggage,” Biden said in the speech

July 2022 notice from the Department of Transportation called on US airlines to make seating children next to accompanying adults available at no additional cost

More adjacent seat options will be available on United Airlines immediately. The complete policy change is set to go into effect in early March, the airline said.

Delta Air Lines said Monday that it “does not charge family seating fees and regardless of the ticket class purchased, will always work with customers on a case-by-case basis to ensure their family seating needs are met.”

Delta’s website refers to family seating “upon request,” referring passengers who are not able to secure seats via the airline’s website or mobile app to contact Reservations.

American Airlines offers booking tips on its website for families traveling with children under 15, noting that “the farther in advance you book, the better.”

“Our current policies regarding family seating are designed to allow families to sit together without having to pay extra,” American Airlines said Monday in a statement.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Business & Economy

FILE- A large soft drink with a plastic straw from a McDonald's restaurant is shown in Surfside, Fl...

Associated Press

Trump pushes for plastic straws, declares paper ones ‘don’t work’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is moving to reverse a federal push away from plastic straws, declaring that paper straws “don’t work.” Trump signed an executive order Monday, saying: “It’s a ridiculous situation. We’re going back to plastic straws” The move by Trump — who has long railed against paper straws, and whose 2019 […]

22 hours ago

Freshly-made pennies sit in a bin at the U.S. Mint in Denver on Aug. 15, 2007....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producion.

1 day ago

The U.S. Capitol is seen, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

1 day ago

Hiring sign is displayed at a health service center in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025....

Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

US employers added just 143,000 jobs last month, jobless rate slips to 4% to start the year

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added just 143,000 jobs last month, but the jobless rate slipped to 4% to start 2025 and the government revised November and December payrolls higher. The first job report of Donald Trump’s second presidency suggested that he inherited a labor market that is solid but unspectacular. Economists had expected about […]

4 days ago

FILE - A Chevron logo is shown at a gas station in San Francisco, Oct. 23, 2023. Gas prices in Utah...

Alton Barnhart

Utah gas prices increased by two cents amid tariff concerns

Utah gas prices have ticked up from last week due to the threat of tariffs, according to the Energy Information Administration. 

5 days ago

FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to ...

Mariah Maynes

How will Trump tariffs impact consumers? It depends, but here are estimates

Economists agree that Trump tariffs could have consequences for the economy and American wallets.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

United Airlines introduces a new family seating policy