JetBlue Becomes the Latest Airline To Guarantee Family Seating Assignments

Updated: October 4, 2023, 6:46am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Blue Basic Tickets Are Included
Latest Airline To Introduce Family Seating Policy
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

JetBlue has become the latest airline to introduce a formal family seating guarantee.

Let’s take a look at the new policy.

Blue Basic Tickets Are Included

JetBlue has introduced a formal seating policy where passengers 13 years and younger can sit next to an adult traveling with them on the same reservation.

Now, JetBlue will ensure a child is assigned a seat next to at least 1 accompanying adult when seats are available at no extra charge.

The airline says it can identify reservations with children and adults traveling together without prior seating assignments and assign adjacent seats. For reservations made within 24 hours before travel, seats may need to be assigned manually at the airport.

Child touching in-flight entertainment screen on a JetBlue flight copy — Image Credit: JetBlue

“We know traveling with young children can add challenges, and we want to do everything we can to put parents and families at ease by providing a smooth trip each time they choose JetBlue,” said Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer at JetBlue.

“This enhanced family seating policy reflects our commitment to continue to meet the needs of our customers and provide exceptional service,” Geraghty continued.

Bottom Line:

JetBlue says this policy will apply to all travelers — even those traveling in the most restrictive JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare.

Latest Airline To Introduce Family Seating Policy

JetBlue is the latest airline to guarantee that a child can sit next to an adult on the same ticket.

Earlier this year, United Airlines made it easier for families with children under the age of 12 to sit together for no additional fee — even passengers with basic economy tickets. Similar policies from American Airlines and Frontier Airlines came shortly after.

In the past, seat selection was a standard inclusion in the cost of an airline ticket. As airlines rolled out basic economy tickets in the past decade, we’ve seen airlines charge customers traveling on these restrictive fares an additional fee to pick a seat in advance — or erase the option entirely.

What resulted was families being separated once onboard, and parents sitting separately from their children.

The U.S. Department of Transportation called for airlines to make changes to their policies last summer, and it seems as though at least some airlines have been listening.

Final Thoughts

This is a great change from JetBlue, which has announced that kids 13 and under can sit next to an adult on the same reservation. We hope other U.S. airlines follow suit!