With school almost out, summer is big time for family travel, yet United Airlines will no longer offer early boarding in coach to families with small children.
In April, United Airlines joined a handful of other airlines who use this policy shift. Previously, families with small children who were flying coach were allowed to board the aircraft before general boarding as a convenience to parents. Most airlines still allow it.
Those who can afford to sit in first class or business class are still allowed the privilege of boarding with their children before others.
United spokesman Charles Hobart said, "We figured it would be better to simplify that process and reduce the number of boarding groups."
This move comes just as airlines are increasingly charging fees for passengers to board early and sit in certain seats. Passengers are not fans of this new policy, finding it to be an unfair inconvenience. Some believe that it might slow operations down because it can take extra time for families to board and to get their children settled.
"If families do need additional assistance, our gate agent will work to accommodate them," Hobart said. "That message has been communicated."
Other airlines have similar policies. American Airlines does not allow families with small children to board specifically, but they do announce to passengers that they'll allow passengers that need extra time or assistance to come forward earlier in the boarding process.
Certain airlines still permit this policy. Jet Blue allows those with children under the age of two to board early. Delta Airlines also allows those with young children to board early. Virgin America allows those with children under the age of five to board early.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
