While the US is trying to ban fees for families sitting together on flights, some European companies are making passengers pay.
Some call it the “parenting tax”: When parents are forced to pay to sit next to their children on a flight.
But the charge could soon be barred.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing a new rule that would direct U.S. and foreign airlines to offer a free seat to children 13 and younger next to their parent or guardian.
“Flying with children is already complicated enough without having to worry about it,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The Biden administration estimates that the rule could save a family of four up to $200 (€185) in round-trip seat fees.
Buttigieg pointed out that four airlines — Alaska, American, Frontier and JetBlue — already guarantee that children 13 and under can sit next to an accompanying adult for free.
But what about European airlines? Since many travelers choose to fly low-cost airlines to save money, do the surcharges make their flights less economical?
Here are the rules for some of Europe’s biggest budget airlines.
Will EasyJet allow families to sit together for free?
If you want to be absolutely sure you’ll be sitting next to your kids, you’ll need to pay for easyJet seats.
“We will ensure that any child under 12 sits next to an adult on your booking. However, we may only be able to arrange this at the airport or on the ship, which may cause delays for you and other passengers and it may not be possible for everyone to be seated together.’
The budget airline says seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you check in, the more likely you are to sit together.
Jet2: One of the best budget airlines for families
The British budget and holiday company Jet2 is one of the most hospitable for families with children.
“We will always aim to accommodate children and infants under 12 with accompanying adults. If this is not possible for any reason, we will ensure that children are seated as close together as possible and no more than one row apart.”
Ryanair: An adult must pay to book a seat
If you are flying with Ryanair, at least one adult must pay to book a seat. Up to four children can then sit with their parent.
Please note that adults who do not purchase seats together are likely to be separated on Ryanair.
Vueling: There is no guarantee that you will be seated with your children
The Spanish airline, owned by Iberia, says it cannot guarantee you will be seated with your children.
“The company will always try to keep passengers on the same booking together, but this is not always possible due to the number of seats.”
It’s best to choose seats together when you book – some will be free, some will be charged. Or check in online as early as possible – it opens seven days before the flight.
The company says that if you check in at the airport, “we will try to give you a seat next to your child, although this is subject to availability so we cannot guarantee this”.
Wizz Air: Pay for the seat to make sure you can sit with your kids
Remember to pay for your Wizz seats if you don’t want to be split up.
Wizz says it allows children to sit with an adult without having to pay. But if the adult has not paid for a place, there is a chance that the family will not be accommodated together.