Airlines new seat booking fees are making it challenging for families to sit together.
May 29, 2012- The skies over the U.S. were filled with passengers during the recent Memorial Day weekend. The summer season unofficially starts on Memorial Day weekend. However, many of the families choosing to travel via air have found new hurdles to overcome. Airlines have implemented cost saving and revenue generating plans that have hit families with children very hard.
More and more airlines have started to reserve seats for passengers who are willing to pay extra, and this does not include first class or business class. These seats are in coach or the general seating area but are seats in the aisle, next to a window or ones with more legroom. This practice by airlines has made it more and more difficult for a family with young children to sit together, unless mom and dad are willing to pay extra for seats together.
Many passengers are complaining that the prices for preferred or choice seats are not disclosed at the time their tickets are purchased and that is unfair on the part of airlines. The Department of Transportation oversees consumer protection for air travel and has started to take steps to improve airline disclosure.
However, a great deal more is needed to return to true comparison shopping that is necessary to ensure travelers they are getting the best value for their money. The Transportation Department is considering implementing new rules to guarantee transparency with fees.
No Trackbacks.