Airline Fees That Split Up Families Just Suck

From a business point of view, it makes sense to impose extra fees on airline passengers who want an aisle or window seat, admits Brad Tuttle at Time. But consider that the onerous money-making scheme is all but forcing parents to sit apart from their children during flights. "The scheme is hated by families—and is likely to be hated even more by passengers who wind up sitting next to nervous, whiny kids who are rows away from their parents," writes Tuttle. "That’s not good for business at all."

Tuttle reviews the recent fallout over the airline plan, including an AP story and an angry reaction from New York Senator Charles Schumer, who wonders whether airlines will "assume liability for the safety of a child who isn't seated next to their parent because of these onerous fees." A travelers' rights group has called for an all-out ban on the practice, and Tuttle seems to agree: "What the airlines seem to not realize is that while their policies may be increasing revenue, they are also making people hate flying." Click for the full article. (More airline fees stories.)