Washington – Jetblue, Virgin America Agree To Allow Families To Sit Together Without Paying Extra Fees

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    Washington – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that after personal calls to the CEOs of Virgin America Airlines and JetBlue, he has secured commitments from these airlines to not charge families extra fees to sit together on flights.

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    Two weeks ago, Schumer called on the industry to refrain from charging families extra fees to sit next to children when the seats involved are so-called “preferred” aisle or window seats. Schumer also today announced that he would be calling on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require airlines that do charge premiums, and all ticket brokers, like Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity, and others, to display potential seat fees along with the ticket price on the first screen where a price is quoted. Disclosing seat assignment fees upfront and before the ticket is actually purchased will allow families to make more informed decisions about the real cost of flying on a particular airline and will help ensure they aren’t forced to pay extra fees to sit with their children after having already purchased tickets. Over the last year, airlines have begun to charge additional fees for aisle and window seats, which if not paid can result in children and families being separated from each other on flights. With the busy summer travel season underway, Schumer has been pushing for airlines to allow families with children to sit together without extra fees. Schumer announced today that JetBlue and Virgin America have committed to him that they will not charge families extra to sit together.

    “Airlines have been trying to nickel and dime fliers for years, but their latest proposal that could separate families is the most outrageous yet,” said Schumer. “I want to commend JetBlue and Virgin America for stepping up to the plate, being leaders on this issue, and agreeing to not put in place fees schemes that could separate parents from their children. If other airlines intend to continue making it more expensive for families to sit together then I plan to make sure families know the full cost, before they actually purchase their ticket. I’m calling on the Department of Transportation to require airlines and ticket brokers to tell you exactly what your full fare will cost, before you buy your ticket, so families don’t get hit with seat fees after the fact. Consumers should be able to easily compare ticket prices so they know how much it will cost their families to sit together before they buy their tickets.”

    Major airlines, including American, Delta, and US Airways are now charging for “preferred seats” at the window or on the aisle, or both. American charges upwards of $25 for a preferred seat, Delta can charge up to $59 and US Airways charges up to $30. If a family of three or more wants to sit together, they could well wind up paying significantly more for the luxury of doing so.

    Two weeks ago, Schumer called on the carriers to voluntarily reconsider their pricing scheme, particularly for families traveling with children. In his letters to the airline trade association, Airlines for America, he also questioned whether it made sense for the airlines to push a pricing strategy that would require additional attention of airline crew and flight attendants who would have to respond to children who could otherwise be accommodated by their parents. After making personal calls to the CEOs of Virgin America and JetBlue to press the point, Schumer announced today that these two airlines have committed to allowing families to sit together, without paying extra fees for window and aisles seats. Schumer noted that this was an important step towards protecting passengers when they fly, and made the point that if other airlines fail to follow suit, they could very well lose to the competition.

    In his letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Schumer also urged DOT to put in place a rule that would require airlines that charge for premium seats and all ticket brokers to display potential seat fees along with the ticket price on the first screen where a price is quoted. Schumer made the case that by putting those fees up front and allowing consumers to compare the total cost of flying on an airline that charges for preferred seating with an airline that doesn’t, airlines would be pressured into reversing preferred seating plans and it would ensure that consumers don’t find out about extra seating fees only after their tickets have been purchased.


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    6 Comments
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    Reb Yid
    Reb Yid
    11 years ago

    Thanks, Chuck. We can’t all fly on private jets like you, but it’s nice to know you want to set prices for businesses, thinking that will help the consumer. Why not just re-regulate the airlines and send prices through the roof?

    Mark Levin
    Mark Levin
    11 years ago

    All hail the great Chuck U Schumer for coming to life on a slow news weekend, as usual.

    targetcapital
    targetcapital
    11 years ago

    Then next thing is pay toilets/ and standing room reservation.

    11 years ago

    Whatever, just don’t ask me to switch my seat which I ordered 3 months in advance for YOU.

    11 years ago

    Because I booked my ticket well in advance and I am a frequent flyer- am I going to have to give up my seat for you? Because you booked last minute?
    Also, am I going to be charged for the same seat that you get free because you booked as a family? Not fair!