Parents are still worried about sitting together with their kids on planes. Here are 8 tips to make sure you do.
Business Insider
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Airlines vary significantly in how they handle family seating, leaving many travelers concerned about being separated during flights. For families with young children or those requiring special care, this issue can be particularly stressful. While some airlines like Alaska and JetBlue guarantee family seating at no extra cost, others like Southwest (which recently switched to assigned seating) do not automatically ensure seats together. The Department of Transportation has proposed rules to prevent parents from being charged extra fees to sit next to their children under 13, but these policies remain inconsistent across carriers.
To avoid being separated, the best approach is to select seats during booking and purchase tickets for all family members on a single reservation. This simplifies adjustments and ensures airlines prioritize your seating needs together. Tools like SeatMaps.com can help you visualize aircraft layouts and choose desirable seats with features like extra legroom or window views. Additionally, avoiding basic economy fares is crucial since these often restrict seat selection and increase the chance of being separated.
Finally, timing plays a key role in securing family-friendly seating. Booking early ensures access to better seats, while choosing off-peak travel times can reduce competition. Families should also monitor flight changes and arrive at the airport well ahead of time to address any issues smoothly. By following these strategies, travelers can significantly improve their chances of sitting together, ensuring a more comfortable and stress-free journey.
This issue matters to business travelers and families alike, as seating arrangements directly impact travel satisfaction and convenience. Airlines that fail to prioritize family-friendly policies risk losing customer loyalty, while those offering clear guarantees may gain a competitive edge in attracting repeat customers. As air travel continues to evolve, understanding these policies and planning ahead can make all the difference for passengers seeking a seamless experience.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/14/2026