A proposal by the U.S. House of Representatives would prohibit airlines from charging fees for families to sit together. The proposal, which was unveiled on Friday, is part of a larger bill that would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The proposal would ban airlines from charging fees for families to sit together on flights that have assigned seating. Currently, some airlines charge a fee for families to sit together, even if there are empty seats on the plane. The proposal would also require airlines to allow families to request to sit together when they book their flights.
In March, President Biden praised American Airlines for eliminating family seating fees, asking for more airlines to follow the decision of American Airlines.
“Baggage fees are bad enough - airlines can’t treat your child like a piece of baggage.” President Biden said.
The proposal has been praised by consumer advocates, who say it would make flying easier for families. "This is a common-sense proposal that would make it easier for families to travel together," said Paul Hudson, president of the Travelers United advocacy group. "We applaud the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for taking this important step."
The proposal is likely to face opposition from the airline industry. Airlines argue that charging fees for family seating helps them to recoup the costs of providing extra legroom and other amenities to families. However, consumer advocates say that the fees are simply a way for airlines to make more money. The proposal is still in its early stages and it is not clear whether it will be passed by the full House of Representatives. However, the proposal has gained strong support from lawmakers in both parties. If it is passed, it would be a major victory for consumer advocates and a setback for the airline industry.