United Airlines is changing its family accommodation policy

United Airlines makes life easier for families who want to sit next to their younger children.

The Chicago-based airline announced on Monday that its new seat map feature will help seat children under 12 next to adults at their party for free. This includes customers who buy economy class tickets, the airline said.

It comes less than a year after federal officials urged airlines to ensure that families, especially those with small children, can sit together at no additional cost.

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United Clients with children under 12, there will be more nearby seating options immediately, but the full rule change will take effect in early March.

The online seat finder will first check all free economy seats. The tool will provide “preferred seats” if needed, the carrier said.

If adjacent seats are not available due to last-minute bookings or full flights, customers will be able to switch to another flight to the same destination free of charge if adjacent seats are available in the same cabin.

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Last July Transportation Department issued a notice stating that carriers will “do everything in their power to ensure that children aged 13 and under” are near the adults in their group at no additional charge.

“While the Department receives a small number of consumer complaints about family seating, there are still complaints of young children, including a child as young as 11 months old, not sitting next to an accompanying adult,” the department said in a statement. time.

However, Airlines for America, an industry trade group representing the largest US carriers, has previously noted that airlines have “always worked to serve customers who travel together, especially those who travel with children, and will continue to do so.”

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Since last summer, United has said it is investing in its tools and technology to help families come together more easily.

Learn more at FOX Business.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.