Airlines have been making headlines recently due to the controversial practice of splitting up family groups on domestic flights. In some instances, parents have been required to sit rows away from their children—even infants as young as 11 months old. This can be a stressful experience for parents and children alike, not to mention awkward for the unsuspecting passengers seated next to an unattended child or toddler. Despite the widespread frustration, the

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Family Seating Dashboard

shows that only four domestic airlines currently guarantee that parents can sit next to their small children without paying extra fees. While new regulations may soon address this issue, there are steps you can take right now to ensure your family stays seated together.

Book Under One Reservation

When booking flights for your family, make sure all tickets are under the same reservation. This is especially important if you’re using loyalty points to book part of the trip or if you’re adding a family member later. Separate reservations can result in your family being seated apart.

Be Prepared for Last-Minute Seat Changes

Even if you’ve reserved seats together, airlines may reassign them at the last minute due to operational needs. To mitigate this risk, check your seating arrangement frequently.

1. Contact Customer Service Early: If you notice your seats are not together before arriving at the airport, contact the airline’s customer service as soon as possible. Representatives can often resolve seating issues before you get to the gate.

2. Speak with the Gate Agent: If you’re still separated when you arrive at the gate, approach the gate agent. They’re usually able to assist with seat reassignments to ensure families can sit together.

Choose the Right Ticket Class

Many budget-friendly economy fares, like basic economy, do not allow for seat selection. If sitting together is a priority, consider upgrading to a class that includes seat selection. While this may cost more upfront, it can save you the stress of scrambling to find seats together at the last minute.

Monitor Your Seats at Check-In

Passengers frequently report changes to their seating arrangements, even after meticulously booking seats together. To reduce the risk of surprises, check in as early as possible online, and double-check your seat assignments both during online check-in and at the gate.

Avoid Last-Minute Seat Swaps

While asking fellow passengers to switch seats might seem like a quick fix, it’s not always the best approach. Requesting a swap during the boarding process can delay the flight and add to the chaos of boarding with small children. However, if you must make a swap, you’re more likely to succeed if you offer an equally desirable seat—or even an upgrade, such as a coveted aisle seat—to the other passenger.

Traveling with children can be hectic, but careful planning can make the process much smoother. Booking under the same reservation, upgrading to seats with guaranteed selection, and staying proactive about monitoring your seating arrangements can go a long way toward ensuring a stress-free journey. And remember, the earlier you address potential issues, the more options you’ll have to resolve them. By taking these steps, you’ll increase your chances of keeping your family together and making your travel experience as seamless as possible.

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