Introduction
United Airlines currently guarantees free adjacent seating for children under 12, not 13, creating a gap with federal requirements. As of January 2026, the airline’s policy covers children aged 12 and under traveling in economy and basic economy, while the Department of Transportation pushes for age 13 coverage across all carriers. This one-year difference matters for families with 13-year-olds who still need parental supervision during flights.
United introduced its family seating policy in February 2023, becoming the first major network carrier to offer this benefit. The airline uses automated seat-mapping technology to find adjacent seats at booking time, even for passengers who purchase the cheapest basic economy fares.
United Airlines Current Family Seating Policy
Who Qualifies for Free Adjacent Seating
United Airlines guarantees adjacent seating for children 12 years old and under traveling with at least one adult family member. The policy applies to all economy class passengers, including those who book basic economy tickets. According to the Department of Transportation’s Family Seating Dashboard, United now officially guarantees adjacent seats for children 13 and under as of their updated commitment.
The automatic seat assignment system scans available economy seats first. When standard economy seats aren’t available side by side, the system opens up Preferred Seats at no additional charge. Preferred Seats typically cost between $15 and $99 depending on the route and seat location.
Up to two children under 12 can sit next to the first adult listed on the reservation without paying extra fees. Families traveling with more than two children may face separation unless they book early or pay for advance seat selection for the entire group.
Excluded Cabin Classes and Seat Types
The family seating guarantee does not cover premium cabin seats. United Polaris business class, United First Class, and Economy Plus seats remain separate paid products. Families who want to sit together in these premium sections must purchase seat assignments for all travelers or use miles to upgrade.
This exclusion affects families willing to pay more for comfort. A family of four traveling from Newark to London in Polaris business class would need to pay seat selection fees for the children or risk separation, even though they purchased premium tickets.
How the Automated System Works
United invested heavily in seat-mapping technology since summer 2022. The system prioritizes families during the booking process, schedule changes, aircraft swaps, and irregular operations. When passengers book tickets, the algorithm searches for adjacent seats across the entire economy cabin.
The technology represents a shift from manual gate agent interventions. Previously, families without adjacent seats would need to request changes at the airport, creating boarding delays and passenger frustration. The automated approach assigns seats at booking time, reducing stress for families and gate staff.
If no adjacent seats exist at booking time, United continues monitoring the flight until departure. The system automatically reassigns seats when other passengers cancel or change flights. Families receive notifications through the United app when seat assignments update.
Department of Transportation Requirements
The Age 13 Standard
The Department of Transportation’s Family Seating Dashboard establishes age 13 as the federal standard for family seating guarantees. Five major carriers currently meet this requirement: American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. United’s policy covering children 12 and under initially fell short of DOT expectations.
However, according to the most recent DOT Family Seating Commitments Dashboard, United Airlines now guarantees adjacent seats for children 13 and under at no additional cost for all fare types, subject to limited conditions. This update aligns United with federal guidelines and places them among compliant carriers.
The DOT reviewed airline policies in November 2022 and found that most carriers required families to pay extra fees for guaranteed adjacent seating. Only after public pressure and the dashboard launch in March 2023 did airlines begin updating their policies.
Proposed Federal Rules for 2026
The Department of Transportation proposed a comprehensive family seating rule in August 2024. The proposed rule would require all airlines to seat children aged 13 and under adjacent to at least one accompanying adult at no additional cost beyond the base fare.
Key provisions of the proposed rule include:
- Ban on family seating fees for children 13 and under next to parents or accompanying adults.
- Adjacent seat assignments required within 48 hours of booking when seats are available.
- Definition of adjacent seats next to each other in the same row, not separated by an aisle.
- Requirement for adjacent seating availability in every class of service.
- Prohibition on airlines structuring fare classes to limit family seating, such as defining basic economy as only middle seats.
- Civil penalties for airlines on a per-passenger basis for failures to provide family seating.
- Additional civil penalties for each fee charged to families for adjacent seating.
The DOT estimates families could save up to $200 per round trip under the new rule. A family of four previously paying $25 per seat selection on a round trip would save $200 in total fees. These savings add up significantly for families who travel multiple times per year.
The proposed rule invites public comment on what other services should be considered basic and essential to air transportation. The comment period closed in October 2024, and final rules could take effect in 2026 pending administrative review.
Congressional Action on Family Seating
Congress included family seating provisions in the FAA Reauthorization law passed in May 2024. The legislation directed the DOT to propose rules within 180 days, establishing a November 2024 deadline. The law defines young children as anyone under 14 years old.
The congressional mandate prohibits airlines from charging fees or imposing additional costs beyond the ticket price to seat young children adjacent to accompanying adults within the same class of service. This legislative backing strengthens the DOT’s regulatory authority.
President Biden highlighted family seating fees as junk fees in his 2023 State of the Union address. The administration’s consumer protection initiative targets fees that consumers cannot reasonably avoid and that don’t reflect actual costs to businesses.
What Families Need to Know When Booking
Booking Process for Adjacent Seats
When booking United flights with children 12 and under, the seat map displays adjacent seat options automatically. The system highlights available pairs of seats during the booking process. Families should book all travelers on the same reservation to trigger the family seating algorithm.
The seat selection process differs slightly for basic economy passengers. While the policy guarantees adjacent seating, basic economy passengers cannot choose specific seats at booking time for some routes. The system assigns adjacent seats automatically during check-in, typically 24 hours before departure.
Families booking through third-party travel agencies should visit United’s website or app immediately after booking. Third-party systems may not trigger United’s family seating automation. Passengers can review and modify seat assignments through the “My Trips” section or “Seat preferences” in the United mobile app.
When Adjacent Seats Aren’t Available
If United cannot provide adjacent seats due to last-minute bookings, full flights, or unscheduled aircraft changes, the airline offers free flight changes. Families can switch to another flight to the same destination with adjacent seat availability in the same cabin at no charge.
The free flight change policy includes fare difference waivers. If the alternate flight costs more, United absorbs the difference. This protection matters during peak travel periods when flexibility typically costs hundreds of dollars per ticket.
Gate agents retain authority to reassign seats on the day of travel. Families should arrive at the gate early and speak with agents if the app still shows separated seating. Gate agents can see which passengers might be willing to switch seats and can coordinate last-minute changes.
Best Practices for Larger Families
Families with three or more children face additional challenges. United’s policy guarantees adjacent seating for up to two children with one adult. Additional children may be seated across the aisle or in the row directly in front of or behind the adult.
For a family of five with three children, United would ensure one adult sits with at least one child. The second adult might sit with another child, while the third child could be seated nearby but not directly adjacent. Early booking significantly improves the chances of securing multiple adjacent seats.
Consider these strategies for larger families:
- Book as early as possible when more seat inventory remains available.
- Use United’s seat map before finalizing the booking to verify adjacent availability.
- Call United reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 if the website cannot accommodate the entire family.
- Check back regularly for better seat assignments as other passengers cancel or change flights.
- Consider paying for advance seat selection for the entire family if adjacent seating is critical.
- Join United’s MileagePlus program as status members receive priority seat assignments.
How United Compares to Other Airlines
Airlines Meeting DOT Standards
American Airlines guarantees adjacent seating for children 14 and under, exceeding the DOT’s age 13 requirement. The policy covers all fare types including basic economy. America’s broader age range provides additional protection for families with teenagers.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines both guarantee adjacent seating for children 13 and under. Alaska’s policy applies to all fare types including Saver fares. Hawaiian offers the same protection across its network.
Frontier Airlines guarantees seating for children 14 and under with at least one parent or guardian at no additional charge. JetBlue Airways automatically assigns seats for children 13 and under next to accompanying adults. These five carriers receive green checkmarks on the DOT’s Family Seating Dashboard for meeting federal guidelines.
Considering other airline programs can help maximize your travel benefits. Check out the best airline loyalty programs for 2026 to find which carrier offers the most value for your family’s travel patterns.
Airlines Falling Short
Delta Air Lines states it will “strive” to seat families together upon request but does not guarantee adjacent seating in its customer service plan. Delta’s policy allows families to request adjacent seating, but the airline makes no binding commitment.
Spirit Airlines faces similar scrutiny. While Spirit says gate agents work to provide adjacent seats for guests with children 13 and under, the carrier does not guarantee adjacent seating for basic fare passengers. Spirit Saver$ Club members receive discounted seat selection fees, which may be less expensive than full-price seat assignments.
Southwest Airlines operates differently due to its open seating model. The carrier allows family boarding between Group A and Group B for families with children 6 and under. Southwest plans to transition to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, and has committed to working with families to seat children 13 and under with at least one adult.
If you’re comparing low-cost carriers, our Spirit Airlines review for 2025 covers everything from baggage fees to seat selection policies.
Cost Comparison for Family Seating
The financial impact of family seating policies varies significantly by carrier. A family of four traveling round trip could spend:
| Airline | Seat Selection Cost | Family Seating Guarantee |
| United Airlines | $0 (children 12 and under in economy) | Yes (now includes 13 and under per DOT dashboard) |
| American Airlines | $0 (children 14 and under all fares) | Yes |
| Delta Air Lines | $30-$80 per person each way | No guarantee |
| Spirit Airlines | $15-$50 per person each way | No guarantee for basic fares |
| Frontier Airlines | $0 (children 14 and under) | Yes |
| JetBlue Airways | $0 (children 13 and under) | Yes |
These costs assume standard seat selection fees. Premium seats like extra legroom or preferred locations cost more. Families traveling multiple times per year could save thousands of dollars annually by choosing airlines with family seating guarantees.
Real-World Scenarios and Solutions
Scenario 1: Family of Four on Basic Economy
A family books four basic economy tickets from San Francisco to Boston. The parents have two children ages 8 and 10. Under United’s policy, the system automatically assigns two adults and two children adjacent seats in economy at no extra cost.
If the flight is nearly full at booking time, the system opens Preferred Seats that normally cost $39 each. The family saves $156 in seat fees for a one-way flight. The automated system works even for the most restrictive fare class.
If absolutely no adjacent seats exist, United offers to rebook the family on an earlier or later flight with available adjacent seating. The change includes no fare difference charges even if the alternate flight typically costs more.
Scenario 2: Traveling With a 13-Year-Old
A mother books tickets for herself and her 13-year-old daughter. Under United’s updated policy that now covers children 13 and under per the DOT dashboard, they qualify for free adjacent seating. The mother should select seats during booking when possible or verify adjacent assignments before departure.
If the system assigns separated seats, the mother should call United reservations to confirm family seating eligibility. As of the DOT’s latest dashboard update, United guarantees adjacent seating for children 13 and under.
Scenario 3: Mixed Cabin Classes
A family wants to use miles to upgrade two travelers to Economy Plus while keeping two in regular economy. The family seating policy only applies to economy class seats. The family would need to either keep everyone in economy or pay for Economy Plus seats for all travelers.
This scenario highlights the policy’s limitations. Premium cabin passengers lose family seating guarantees even though they pay more for tickets. Families using miles or upgrades should carefully consider whether separation risk outweighs comfort benefits.
International Flights and Family Seating
Policy Application on International Routes
United’s family seating policy applies to both domestic and international flights. The automated seat assignment system works the same way regardless of destination. Families flying from Newark to London receive the same adjacent seating guarantees as those flying from Chicago to Miami.
International flights often feature different aircraft configurations. Widebody planes used for long-haul routes may have 2-4-2 or 3-3-3 seating layouts in economy. The system adapts to each aircraft type when finding adjacent seats.
Some international flights require advance seat selection due to customs and immigration requirements. Families should review seat assignments well before departure for international travel. Changes become more difficult as departure approaches on international routes.
Bassinet Seating and Family Policy
Families traveling with infants on international flights may request bassinets. Bassinet seats have specific location requirements, typically in bulkhead rows with additional legroom. United provides bassinets free of charge on international aircraft.
The family seating policy works alongside bassinet requests. The system attempts to assign the adult with the lap infant to a bassinet-eligible seat while keeping other children in adjacent locations. Families should call United reservations to coordinate bassinet requests with family seating needs.
Bassinets accommodate infants up to 22 pounds and measure 29 inches long by 11 inches wide. United offers a limited number of bassinets per aircraft on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rights When Things Go Wrong
Filing Complaints With United
If United fails to provide adjacent seating as guaranteed, families should document the issue immediately. Take photos of boarding passes showing separated seat assignments. Note the flight number, date, and circumstances.
Contact United customer relations through the website or by calling 1-800-UNITED-1. Explain that the family seating policy was not honored and request compensation. United may offer travel credit, miles, or other remedies depending on circumstances.
Complaints should reference United’s published family seating policy. The policy appears in the airline’s customer service plan, which creates legally enforceable obligations under DOT regulations.
DOT Complaint Process
Families can file complaints with the Department of Transportation if United does not resolve issues satisfactorily. The DOT maintains an online complaint portal at transportation.gov. Consumer complaints influence enforcement priorities and regulatory actions.
Include all relevant documentation when filing DOT complaints. Attach boarding passes, email correspondence with the airline, and photos of seat assignments. Explain how the airline’s actions violated published policies.
The DOT reviews complaints and may investigate patterns of policy violations. Airlines face civil penalties for systematic failures to honor customer service plan commitments. Individual complaints may not result in personal compensation but contribute to industry-wide enforcement.
Understanding your broader passenger rights helps when flights face disruptions. Read our comprehensive guide on flight delays, cancellations, and passenger rights in 2026 for more information.
Impact of Aircraft Changes and Irregular Operations
Schedule Changes and Seat Reassignments
United’s family seating technology automatically adjusts seat assignments during schedule changes and aircraft swaps. When the airline substitutes a different aircraft type, the system re-runs the seat assignment algorithm for affected passengers.
Aircraft swaps happen regularly in airline operations. A Boeing 737 might replace a Boeing 757, changing the total seat count and configuration. The automated system prioritizes families during these changes, though occasionally adjacent seating becomes impossible on the substitute aircraft.
Passengers receive notifications through email and the United app when schedule changes affect seat assignments. Families should check assignments immediately after receiving change notifications. Contact United reservations if the new assignments separate family members.
Weather Delays and Rebooking
Severe weather often requires rebooking passengers on alternate flights. United’s family seating policy continues to apply during irregular operations. Gate agents use the same seat-mapping tools to find adjacent seats on replacement flights.
During major weather events affecting hub airports like Newark or Houston, available seats become scarce. Families may need to split across multiple flights or accept longer connections to maintain adjacent seating. The free flight change policy applies in these situations.
Weather-related delays do not entitle passengers to compensation beyond rebooking. However, United should still honor family seating commitments when rebooking on the airline’s flights. If United rebooks passengers on partner airlines, family seating guarantees may not apply depending on the partner’s policies.
Future Changes to Expect
Pending Federal Regulations
The DOT’s proposed family seating rule will likely take effect in 2026 after completing the regulatory process. The rule will standardize family seating across all U.S. airlines, eliminating the patchwork of different policies.
Airlines will need to update reservation systems to comply with new requirements. The 48-hour advance seating requirement means systems must assign families to adjacent seats no later than two days before departure. Current United policy already meets or exceeds this timeline.
Civil penalty provisions create strong incentives for compliance. Airlines risk fines for each instance of charging family seating fees or failing to provide adjacent seating when available. Enforcement will likely begin with warning letters and escalate to financial penalties for repeat violations.
Technology Improvements
United continues investing in seat assignment algorithms. Future versions may better handle complex family configurations, such as two adults with four children requiring multiple rows. Machine learning could predict seat availability patterns and proactively offer earlier flights when the preferred flight fills up.
Integration with partner airlines could extend family seating guarantees to codeshare flights. Currently, the policy only applies to United and United Express operated flights. Families booking connections on Star Alliance partners do not receive the same guarantees.
Mobile app improvements will give families more control over seat assignments. Future versions might allow passengers to receive notifications when better seats become available and accept changes with one tap. Self-service options reduce the need to call reservations or speak with gate agents.
Industry-Wide Trends
More airlines will likely adopt family seating guarantees before federal regulations take effect. Southwest’s transition to assigned seating in 2026 will force the carrier to develop new family seating policies. The open seating model cannot continue under a system of assigned seats.
Premium economy cabins present a gray area for family seating policies. As airlines add premium economy sections between regular economy and business class, questions arise about whether family seating guarantees should extend to these products. Current policies generally exclude premium cabins.
International harmonization of family seating rules would benefit families traveling on foreign carriers or international flights. European and Asian airlines follow different policies regarding adjacent seating for families. Global standards remain unlikely in the near term.
Tips for Smooth Family Travel on United
Before Booking
Compare United’s family seating policy with other airlines serving your route. While United now meets DOT standards for children 13 and under, other factors like schedule, price, and loyalty program benefits matter too.
Check United’s route network from your home airport. Hub cities like Chicago, Newark, Denver, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles offer the most flight options. More flight choices increase the likelihood of finding flights with available adjacent seating.
Consider travel timing carefully. Flights during school holidays, summer vacation, and major holidays fill up quickly. Adjacent seating becomes scarce on popular routes during peak periods. Booking several months in advance provides the best seat selection.
During Booking
Always book all family members on the same reservation. Split reservations prevent the automated system from recognizing family relationships and assigning adjacent seats. If booking through a travel agent or online travel agency, confirm everyone appears on one confirmation code.
Review the seat map carefully before completing the purchase. Even with the family seating guarantee, you may have preferences about which specific seats work best. Window seats help young children avoid aisle traffic. Exit rows never accommodate children under 15.
Note the aircraft type for your flight. Some planes have more desirable configurations for families. Three-across seating (like 737s) works well for families of three. Four-across seating (like some 757s) suits families of four.
After Booking
Download the United app and enable notifications. The app alerts you to schedule changes, seat assignment updates, and boarding times. You can modify seat assignments through the app without calling reservations.
Check seat assignments periodically in the weeks before your flight. Other passengers may cancel or change flights, opening better seating options. The system automatically reassigns families when adjacent seats become available, but manually checking provides peace of mind.
Complete online check-in exactly 24 hours before departure. While families with children under 12 have guaranteed adjacent seating, checking in early helps if any last-minute issues arise. Early check-in also provides better boarding positions if assigned seats become unavailable.
At the Airport
Arrive at the gate early if seat assignments remain unsatisfactory. Gate agents have tools to view the entire seating chart and can make final adjustments. They can also see which passengers might be willing to switch seats.
Board during family pre-boarding if traveling with children under 2. United allows families with infants and young toddlers to board early. This extra time helps with stowing carry-on items and settling children before general boarding begins.
Bring the children’s birth certificates or passports when traveling internationally. While not required for domestic flights, having age verification documents can help resolve any disputes about family seating eligibility.
Conclusion
United Airlines provides adjacent seating guarantees for children 13 and under as of its most recent DOT commitment, placing the carrier in compliance with federal guidelines. The automated seat-mapping system works for economy and basic economy passengers at no extra cost, addressing a major pain point for traveling families.
The one-year gap that previously existed between United’s age 12 coverage and the DOT’s age 13 standard has been closed. Families no longer face uncertainty about whether their 13-year-old qualifies for adjacent seating protection. This clarity helps parents plan trips with confidence that younger teenagers will sit with supervising adults.
Federal regulations pending for 2026 will standardize family seating across all U.S. airlines. The proposed rules include adjacent seating requirements, fee prohibitions, and civil penalties for violations. These regulations will eliminate the current patchwork of airline policies and ensure consistent family seating protections regardless of carrier.
For more travel insights and tips on navigating airline policies, visit our travel blog for the latest updates on airline rules, loyalty programs, and passenger rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does United Airlines guarantee adjacent seating for children under 13?
Yes, as of the most recent Department of Transportation Family Seating Dashboard update, United Airlines now guarantees adjacent seats for children 13 and under at no additional cost for all fare types. The airline’s policy previously covered children 12 and under but has been updated to meet federal standards. This guarantee applies to economy and basic economy fares, with some conditions about availability at booking time and same-reservation requirements.
What happens if no adjacent seats are available when I book?
If United cannot provide adjacent seats at booking time, the airline continues monitoring the flight until departure and automatically reassigns seats when possible. Families receive notifications through the United app when seat assignments change. If adjacent seats remain unavailable close to departure, United offers free flight changes to alternate flights with adjacent seating availability in the same cabin, with no fare difference charges.
Do I need to pay extra for family seating on basic economy tickets?
No, United’s family seating policy covers basic economy passengers at no additional cost. The automated system finds adjacent economy seats first, then opens complimentary Preferred Seats if regular economy seats aren’t available side by side. Basic economy passengers cannot choose specific seats during booking on some routes, but the system assigns adjacent seats automatically during check-in for families with qualifying children.
Does the family seating policy apply to international flights?
Yes, United’s family seating guarantee applies to both domestic and international flights operated by United and United Express. The policy works the same regardless of destination, though families should review seat assignments well before departure for international travel as changes become more difficult closer to departure. The policy does not automatically extend to codeshare flights operated by partner airlines.
Can I get adjacent seating in Economy Plus or business class?
No, United’s family seating guarantee only applies to standard economy class. United Polaris business class, United First Class, and Economy Plus remain separate paid products excluded from the policy. Families wanting to sit together in premium cabins must purchase seat assignments for all travelers or use miles to upgrade everyone together.
What if my child just turned 13?
Under United’s updated policy that now covers children 13 and under per the DOT dashboard, a 13-year-old qualifies for family seating protection. The system determines eligibility based on the child’s age at the time of travel, not at booking. If your child will be 13 on the travel date, the family seating policy applies to that flight.
How many children can sit with one adult for free?
United’s policy guarantees adjacent seating for up to two children under 13 with the first adult listed on the reservation at no additional cost. Families with three or more children may have some children seated across the aisle or in adjacent rows rather than directly next to the adult. The entire family must be on the same reservation for the policy to apply.
What should I do if the gate agent separates my family?
Speak with the gate agent immediately and reference United’s family seating policy. Gate agents have authority to reassign seats and coordinate passenger switches. If the issue isn’t resolved satisfactorily, document the situation with photos of boarding passes and file a complaint with United customer relations after your flight. You can also file complaints with the Department of Transportation if United does not address the issue.
Does family boarding apply to all United flights?
United offers family pre-boarding only for passengers traveling with children under 2 years old. Families with older children do not receive pre-boarding privileges, though they have guaranteed adjacent seating. Pre-boarding allows extra time for families with infants and toddlers to store carry-on items and get settled before general boarding begins.
Can I use this policy if I book through a travel agency?
Yes, but you should visit United’s website or mobile app immediately after booking to review and modify seat assignments. Third-party booking systems may not automatically trigger United’s family seating algorithm. Access your reservation using the confirmation code through “My Trips” or “Seat preferences” in the United app to ensure adjacent seats are assigned.
