United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) said Monday that new technology will open up more seats on its flights so children can sit with an adult in their party without paying a fee, a type of charge that’s drawn scrutiny from the Biden administration in recent months.
United will show parents or other adult travelers accompanying a child younger than 12 to access “preferred” seats as well as regular economy seats, if needed, at the time of booking so they can sit together.
The change applies to travelers with standard and basic economy tickets and will be fully in effect next month, although United has already increased some of the seat availability.
The airline also won’t charge customers a fare difference if they switch to a flight to the same destination that has adjacent seats.
Airlines in recent years have been charging travelers to book “preferred” location seats on flights. They don’t come with extra legroom or other perks but are often in front of the plane, though they can cover a significant number of seats of an aircraft.
President Joe Biden has called on lawmakers to “fast-track the ban on family seating fees,” the White House said earlier this month. In July, the Transportation Department told U.S. airlines to “do everything in their power” to ensure travelers under age 13 are seated next to an accompanying adult without additional charges.
UAL shares drooped 41 cents to $49.22.
