As we reported last week, airlines are reserving and charging extra fees for certain seats on their planes, leaving fewer options for seats that are together. This will lead to families being separated on planes, even those with young children. Customers are not happy. New York Democrat Senator, Charles Schumer is fighting back and urging airlines to allow families to continue to sit together without having to pay extra fees.
Senator Schumer is showing reaction to the Associated Press story and taking the side of disgruntled travelers. He responded saying "Children need access to their parents and parents need access to their children. Unnecessary airline fees shouldn't serve as a literal barrier between mother and child."
Airlines are continuously looking for new ways to increase revenue by charging fees for various things like watching TV, using a blanket, early boarding, and now specific seat choices. These fees for better seats have become more prominent over the last 12 months.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines have increased the percent of seats that they allow elite frequent fliers and customer who are willing to pay extra to choose from. These seats include aisle seats, window seats, seats with more legroom, and now, seats that are adjacent to each other, which can cost a passenger $25 extra, each way.
Senator Schumer asked wrote a letter to Nicholas Calio, president of the airline industry's trade group, Airlines for America, asking them to waive the seat fee for families. Schumer wrote "A parent should not have to pay a premium to supervise and protect their child on an airplane." He also asked Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to put rules into effect that would prevent airlines from charging families to sit together.
Airlines have responded by saying that they don't try to force families apart. Families have a better chance of getting adjacent seats if they book far in advance or if they pay for select seating. They also said that gate agents ask passengers if they are willing to volunteer to switch seats so that parents can be with their children, but nothing is guaranteed.
Airlines are resistant to government regulations as they're struggling with profits.
This isn't the first time that Schumer has had a bone to pick with airline rules. In 2010, he got five major airlines to agree that they wouldn't charge passengers for carry-on luggage. Spirit Airlines was an exception, as they are preparing to charge up to $100 for carry-ons.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
