Extra $500 to fet assigned seats on flight round trip for 4 pp

[Anonymous]

We pay for it because I do not want my kids separated from me. It sucks, but eventually kids get bigger and would be ok. But I know when looking for flights that the price I see at the start is not the real price. We also check bags for most trips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is a short domestic flight so expensive? They will seat you together, at least 2 and 2, I wouldn’t pay.

Our flights for 4ppl to Boston this past weekend cost less than $500 one way, including seats! I’m dying to know OP’s airline and destination.

Domestic flights can easily be $500 per person if it’s a high demand travel time, or a less frequent route. I’m actually shocked that you were able to get 4 tickets for $500 anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is a short domestic flight so expensive? They will seat you together, at least 2 and 2, I wouldn’t pay.

Our flights for 4ppl to Boston this past weekend cost less than $500 one way, including seats! I’m dying to know OP’s airline and destination.

Domestic flights can easily be $500 per person if it’s a high demand travel time, or a less frequent route. I’m actually shocked that you were able to get 4 tickets for $500 anywhere.

Reading not your strong suit?

[Anonymous]

Here are teh airlines that wil guaantee you're seated together:
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-family-seating-dashboard

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you pay, there is no guarantee you’ll be assigned a seat near your child(ren). Just pay, don’t make it weird, OP.

It’s not weird. The airline will sit the kids next to a parent. It’s fine.

I’m a pilot for a legacy carrier here in the US. No, they will not. And if you make a big deal about it on the plane, all you’ll do is in fact “make it weird” and delay everyone. Don’t do that. It is NOT guaranteed. Everyone else paid for their seats (main cabin tickets on my airline) and you are expected to do the same. The ticket and gate agent, and especially the flight attendants, aren’t going to be concerned with fixing your error.

Not sure what crappy airline you work for, but we fly Jet Blue and American often and there are always plenty of "free" seats to choose, in additional to the ones that cost extra closer to the front, emergency exit, etc. I've never had to pay to select seats for my family together. One time on American we were not able to choose seats at all (even for money) and by the time we arrived at the airport, they had already assigned us nice seats all together. Please share your airline so I know never to fly them!

You must not fly at peak times/days or else you book very far in advance.

Its almost always peak dates, but yes we do book very far in advance, because we know we are traveling at busy times.

[Anonymous]

what is the justification for planning to force another passenger to move from a seat they paid to get to avoid having to pay yourself?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you pay, there is no guarantee you’ll be assigned a seat near your child(ren). Just pay, don’t make it weird, OP.

It’s not weird. The airline will sit the kids next to a parent. It’s fine.

I’m a pilot for a legacy carrier here in the US. No, they will not. And if you make a big deal about it on the plane, all you’ll do is in fact “make it weird” and delay everyone. Don’t do that. It is NOT guaranteed. Everyone else paid for their seats (main cabin tickets on my airline) and you are expected to do the same. The ticket and gate agent, and especially the flight attendants, aren’t going to be concerned with fixing your error.

Not sure what crappy airline you work for, but we fly Jet Blue and American often and there are always plenty of "free" seats to choose, in additional to the ones that cost extra closer to the front, emergency exit, etc. I've never had to pay to select seats for my family together. One time on American we were not able to choose seats at all (even for money) and by the time we arrived at the airport, they had already assigned us nice seats all together. Please share your airline so I know never to fly them!

Oh, and I fly for Delta. And we are fine with you not joining us! There are always others waiting to take your seat so I assure you, you will not be missed!

Oh good. Delta usually costs more and never has the routes I need at a reasonable time. I also don't fly United unless I really have no other reasonable option.

[Anonymous]

For the 3 YO obviously if they don’t seat you together someone will switch. No one wants to be stuck next to a misbehaving 3 yo with no parent nearby. That would be wild. Basically free babysitting for 2 hours!

[Anonymous]

1) The anger towards the OP and in general, the attitude here in the US towards families flying with young children or for that matter families with young children in general is disgusting. $500 EXTRA in addition to tickets is outrageous. She (or he) isn't asking about first-class tickets or even specific seats, just to be NEXT to their child....probably would be fine just having 1 adult per child. This expectation that parents should have to pay extra to sit next to their child who requires caregiving assistance is unacceptable. Other countries do not treat families this way. OP has a right to expect basic safety measures for herself and her young children, which includes having an adult seated next to a young child. Will Delta do it- possibly not but the anger should be directed at this family but rather at the horrible, corporate policies that treat families without any dignity!

MANY countries allow families with young children to board first, offer special treats or meals for children (oh gosh....without charging the family!), and the airports have special lines to allow families to pass by more quickly in security/immigration. There isn't an expectation to charge more for the "inconvenience" of having a small human with their human needs. This attitude towards families here is gross.

OP - just call the airline and talk to them directly and see if there's a way for them to seat 1 adult with 1 child....you might have to sit in 2 groups but that's fine as long as one child is with one adult. They may say no, but it doesn't hurt to try and call vs. waiting until you are at the airport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1) The anger towards the OP and in general, the attitude here in the US towards families flying with young children or for that matter families with young children in general is disgusting. $500 EXTRA in addition to tickets is outrageous. She (or he) isn't asking about first-class tickets or even specific seats, just to be NEXT to their child....probably would be fine just having 1 adult per child. This expectation that parents should have to pay extra to sit next to their child who requires caregiving assistance is unacceptable. Other countries do not treat families this way. OP has a right to expect basic safety measures for herself and her young children, which includes having an adult seated next to a young child. Will Delta do it- possibly not but the anger should be directed at this family but rather at the horrible, corporate policies that treat families without any dignity!

MANY countries allow families with young children to board first, offer special treats or meals for children (oh gosh....without charging the family!), and the airports have special lines to allow families to pass by more quickly in security/immigration. There isn't an expectation to charge more for the "inconvenience" of having a small human with their human needs. This attitude towards families here is gross.

OP - just call the airline and talk to them directly and see if there's a way for them to seat 1 adult with 1 child....you might have to sit in 2 groups but that's fine as long as one child is with one adult. They may say no, but it doesn't hurt to try and call vs. waiting until you are at the airport.

What are you talking about! Foreign airlines absolutely charge you to select seats. Quit spewing false information to have it fit your narrative.

While I agree it’s unfair, it’s the rule. I don’t like it either, but I’m forced to pay it until it changes. They know people hate it, but people pay it anyway. What’s the alternative? Driving? Until we stop flying, they won’t change it.

With that said, it’s the rule. It isn’t fair to inconvenience people who did pay, or didn’t pay and have accepted their seat assignment, just because you are unwilling to pay. THAT is why people are mad. OP thinks she’s above the rule and the airline (and passengers) will just accommodate her. Why should they?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1) The anger towards the OP and in general, the attitude here in the US towards families flying with young children or for that matter families with young children in general is disgusting. $500 EXTRA in addition to tickets is outrageous. She (or he) isn't asking about first-class tickets or even specific seats, just to be NEXT to their child....probably would be fine just having 1 adult per child. This expectation that parents should have to pay extra to sit next to their child who requires caregiving assistance is unacceptable. Other countries do not treat families this way. OP has a right to expect basic safety measures for herself and her young children, which includes having an adult seated next to a young child. Will Delta do it- possibly not but the anger should be directed at this family but rather at the horrible, corporate policies that treat families without any dignity!

MANY countries allow families with young children to board first, offer special treats or meals for children (oh gosh....without charging the family!), and the airports have special lines to allow families to pass by more quickly in security/immigration. There isn't an expectation to charge more for the "inconvenience" of having a small human with their human needs. This attitude towards families here is gross.

OP - just call the airline and talk to them directly and see if there's a way for them to seat 1 adult with 1 child....you might have to sit in 2 groups but that's fine as long as one child is with one adult. They may say no, but it doesn't hurt to try and call vs. waiting until you are at the airport.

What are you talking about! Foreign airlines absolutely charge you to select seats. Quit spewing false information to have it fit your narrative.

While I agree it’s unfair, it’s the rule. I don’t like it either, but I’m forced to pay it until it changes. They know people hate it, but people pay it anyway. What’s the alternative? Driving? Until we stop flying, they won’t change it.

With that said, it’s the rule. It isn’t fair to inconvenience people who did pay, or didn’t pay and have accepted their seat assignment, just because you are unwilling to pay. THAT is why people are mad. OP thinks she’s above the rule and the airline (and passengers) will just accommodate her. Why should they?

I'm not "spewing false information" nor did I say EVERY international airline. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE is that the EUROPEAN AIRLINES I have flown will sit you with your child without any additional fees. You might need to call to double-check if it's not clearly stated in their policy, but yes, that is my personal experience as a parent with young children.

I don't think OP is asking for other passengers to just accommodate her, she is asking if it's necessary to pay or what alternatives might exist. You are assuming that they will be asking someone the day of the flight....they are clearly being proactive but checking into this now to figure out their options. damn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE is that the EUROPEAN AIRLINES I have flown will sit you with your child without any additional fees.

British Airways charges seat selection fees even for business class, which is hilarious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE is that the EUROPEAN AIRLINES I have flown will sit you with your child without any additional fees.

British Airways charges seat selection fees even for business class, which is hilarious.

It’s turning into a trend, apparently. I don’t know which airline PP is using where she doesn’t have to pay in economy yet business class does.

[Anonymous]

Just flew Southwest.
Parents with kids 6 and under allowed to board early, regardless of seat purchase.
The problem was a parent who arrived almost at door closing and then wanted a seat with toddler. The flight attendants hustled/begged for someone next to an empty seat to move, and eventually someone did.

SW is a known free for all, so it wasn’t the airline’s fault here.

[Anonymous]

Pp again. Their flight delays, on the other hand…