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United Airlines: The Truth About Families Being Seated Together

Jane is the creator and editor of Plane Jane Trips, a website dedicated to sharing travel tips and tricks for air travel on a budget. With over 15 years of experience planning affordable getaways, Jane loves helping fellow travelers save money while still enjoying memorable vacations.

What To Know

  • United Airlines, a major carrier in the United States, has policies in place to accommodate families and ensure they are seated together during their flight.
  • In case advance seat assignments are not made, families can request to be seated together at the airport check-in counter or gate.
  • Families with infants should request a bassinet at the time of booking or at the airport check-in counter.

Families traveling together often have concerns about being seated separately on flights. United Airlines, a major carrier in the United States, has policies in place to accommodate families and ensure they are seated together during their flight. This blog post will explore United Airlines‘ family seating policies, providing detailed information to help families plan their travel and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Understanding United Airlines’ Family Seating Policy

United Airlines prioritizes seating families together, especially for families with young children. The airline’s policy states that children under the age of 15 will be seated next to an accompanying adult in the same reservation. This applies to all fare classes, including Basic Economy.

Advance Seat Assignments for Families

Families are encouraged to make advance seat assignments when booking their flights to secure their preferred seating arrangements. United Airlines offers the option to select seats during the booking process or later through the airline’s website or mobile app. When making advance seat assignments, families can choose seats that are adjacent or in the same row.

Day-of-Flight Seat Changes

In case advance seat assignments are not made, families can request to be seated together at the airport check-in counter or gate. United Airlines staff will do their best to accommodate family seating requests on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it’s important to note that seat availability may be limited, especially during peak travel times.

Additional Considerations for Families with Infants

United Airlines provides bassinets for infants under the age of 2 on a first-come, first-served basis. Families with infants should request a bassinet at the time of booking or at the airport check-in counter. The airline also allows infants to sit on the lap of an adult without occupying a separate seat.

Boarding Priority for Families

Families with young children are eligible for early boarding to allow them to settle in and secure their seats before other passengers. Early boarding is typically announced at the gate and families should be prepared to show proof of age for their children.

Fees for Seat Assignments

United Airlines charges a fee for advance seat assignments in certain fare classes. However, families traveling with children under the age of 12 are exempt from this fee. Families can also choose to pay a fee to upgrade to a higher fare class that includes complimentary seat assignments.

Tips for Ensuring Family Seating

  • Book your flights early to secure the best seat availability.
  • Make advance seat assignments as soon as possible.
  • Check in online or at the airport early to increase your chances of being seated together.
  • Be flexible with your seat preferences, as availability may be limited.
  • If you are unable to secure family seating in advance, request it at the airport check-in counter or gate.
  • Be prepared to show proof of age for your children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does United Airlines guarantee that families will be seated together?
A: United Airlines prioritizes seating families together, but it cannot guarantee it due to factors such as flight availability and operational considerations.

Q: What is the age limit for children to be seated next to an accompanying adult?
A: Children under the age of 15 will be seated next to an accompanying adult in the same reservation.

Q: Can families with infants request a bassinet?
A: Yes, United Airlines provides bassinets for infants under the age of 2 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: Do families with young children get priority boarding?
A: Yes, families with young children are eligible for early boarding to allow them to settle in and secure their seats before other passengers.

Q: Are there any fees for seat assignments for families with children?
A: No, families traveling with children under the age of 12 are exempt from advance seat assignment fees.

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Jane

Jane is the creator and editor of Plane Jane Trips, a website dedicated to sharing travel tips and tricks for air travel on a budget. With over 15 years of experience planning affordable getaways, Jane loves helping fellow travelers save money while still enjoying memorable vacations.
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