JetBlue is the latest US carrier to add a customer service policy that allows families to sit together without having to purchase seats in advance.
Another airline is introducing free shared seating for families when flying on their aircraft.
JetBlue has announced a formal family seating plan effective immediately, eliminating the need to purchase seating arrangements for children 13 and under.
The new seat rules apply to families traveling with younger children
Before that policy, there were no guarantees that adults would sit next to their children. Although every effort would be made to keep families together on the plane, the computer might assign a child a seat on the other side of the plane from their family member.
The new policy applies to all fares, including the airline’s Basic Blue tariff. Each time a flyer purchases an itinerary that includes a child 13 years of age or younger, that child will be seated with at least one accompanying adult when seats are available. For tickets purchased within 24 hours of travel, seats will need to be manually assigned at the airport.
“We know that traveling with young children can be an extra challenge, and we want to do everything we can to make it easier for parents and families to travel every time they choose JetBlue,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer of JetBlue. in a press release. “This enhanced family seating policy reflects our commitment to continue to meet the needs of our customers and provide exceptional service.”
JetBlue’s move follows other carriers that have prioritized family seating on the plane. United Airlines was the first to officially introduce a family seating policy in February 2023, followed by American Airlines a week later.
JetBlue says the new policy is a new addition to its 16-year-old Customer Bill of Rights, which outlines what options fliers have if their flights are delayed, canceled and when flight compensation is due.
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