DOT UPDATES CONSUMER PROTECTION WEBSITE REGARDING FAMILY SEATING POLICIES
October 11, 2019
DOT’s Aviation and Consumer Protection Division this month updated its website to provide more information to consumers on U.S. airline family seating policies. No changes in Departmental policy were announced, and DOT does not prescribe how U.S. airlines must seat family members together. However, DOT does “recognize the importance that families place on sitting together when flying” and encourages passengers who experience dissatisfaction with family seating accommodations to register complaints with their airline and with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division. On its website, DOT has provided summaries of and links to the family seating policies of major U.S. carriers as well as a number of tips for consumers.
DOT’s announcement followed a review of family seating policies as required by the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016. The Department’s limited update and lack of new guidance suggest that U.S. carriers’ policies are generally appropriate, but the family seating issue remains in the purview of DOT’s Aviation and Consumer Protection Division.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Alexander Matthews (amatthews@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6633).
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