Flying with your family this summer? You might want to kiss them goodbye at the gate — even if they are on the same plane.
The reason:
"US airlines are reserving a growing number of window and aisle seats for passengers willing to pay extra," writes The Washington Post.
That not only boosts revenue but it also makes it tougher for family members who don’t pay the fee to sit together.
"At the peak of the summer travel season, it might be nearly impossible" for families to sit together, reports the newspaper.
This latest "seat" fee is not making customers happy.
Since last summer, American, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines have increased the percentage of coach seats requiring an extra fee.
Some other carriers — including Delta, JetBlue Airways and United – come with more legroom. Others, including those on American and US Airways, are just as cramped but are window and aisle seats near the front.
No solution? The best bet may to buy tickets two or more months in advance. But the downside is that it could cost more.
By David Wilkening
