The U.K. government has announced a new regulation banning airlines from charging parents and guardians fees to sit next to their children under age 14, which is aimed at alleviating financial pressures amid the rising cost of living. Effective as part of broader changes linked to the upcoming Civil Aviation Bill, this regulation could take effect by next summer, following royal assent.
The Department for Transport (DfT) emphasized that families shouldn’t have to pay extra to sit together during flights, as these fees could amount to £104 on a return journey. The U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham criticized such charges as unfair and expressed a commitment to further reducing unnecessary fees, including those for name corrections on bookings.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation encourages airlines to provide adjacent seating for children without extra fees, with several U.S.-based airlines already committed to this practice under certain conditions.
The initiative represents a significant step toward improving family travel experiences and reducing hidden costs associated with air travel.
