Video Traveler upset after she’s prevented from boarding with two cats
A traveler from Las Vegas is shown in a heated discussion with gate agents after discovering her booking didn’t permit multiple animals in one carrier, an interaction recorded on social media garnering millions of views.
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A seating arrangement problem on a recent journey has ignited an online discussion concerning whether airlines ought to ensure that parents and young kids are seated jointly.
The controversy started after a traveler shared on X that his spouse and two young ones were automatically given seats in separate rows on a Southwest Airlines flight.
The family chose not to pay extra for seat selection, the post mentioned. Instead, the airline’s system assigned seats individually.
The passenger stated that his 2-year-old was placed in a different row from his mother and sibling, despite noting during the booking process that they were traveling with children.
The post garnered substantial notice, with numerous commenters scolding the father for refusing to pay for seat assignments.
A Southwest flight assigned a family to separate rows, with their 2-year-old child (not pictured) seated elsewhere. (iStock)
“If you’re so frugal that you decline to pay for seat selection, then why didn’t you hold the 2-year-old on your lap?” one user wrote.
“Next time, secure seats together. It’s that simple,” another chimed in.
Several users also emphasized that separating families on flights can create pressure on other passengers to exchange seats to accommodate the situation.
“I like kids, but I wouldn’t want to be the traveler who has to move so your family can sit together,” one commenter expressed.
The post sparked disapproval of the father (not pictured) for failing to pay to select seats — with some stating the puzzling predicament could have been averted. (iStock)
Others, conversely, contended that airlines should automatically seat young children beside a parent or guardian, especially if a child’s age is provided during the reservation.
“All minors should be seated beside an adult,” one user posted.
Fox News Digital reached out to Southwest Airlines for a statement regarding the event.
The occurrence arises amidst modifications at Southwest Airlines, which started transitioning to a model with assigned seating in January.
Current federal regulations do not mandate airlines to assure adjacent seating.
The company had been well-known for its open seating approach, permitting passengers to choose any available seat when boarding.
The U.S. Department of Transportation prompts airlines to seat young children beside a parent or accompanying adult without an additional fee, according to the agency’s website.
However, current federal regulations do not mandate airlines to guarantee adjacent seating.
The DOT advises airlines to position young children near a parent or guardian at no added expense, though no federal rule exists obligating carriers to make sure seats are together. (iStock)
The department keeps an online dashboard detailing which carriers commit to seating children age 13 and under beside an accompanying adult at no additional charge.
The dashboard indicates that Southwest Airlines doesn’t promise free guaranteed adjacent seating.
Other prominent carriers not committing to providing complimentary assured adjacent seating encompass Delta, Spirit, Allegiant, and United, as shown on the DOT dashboard.
Nonetheless, various airlines state they will seat kids age 13 and below beside an accompanying adult for no additional fee under specified conditions.
Those carriers are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue.