Built to catch you out · 3 airlines can seat your group apart unless you pay for seats
Pay or sit apart. 3 airlines
Without paid seats, people on one booking are seated wherever the airline likes, even children away from their parents.
- Jetstar Airways
Without paid seats, Jetstar assigns seats randomly at check-in; it seats children aged 2-11 with a parent but says it can't guarantee the rest of the family will sit together. Jetstar: Family travel and seating, checked 2026-10-24
- Scoot
Without a paid seat (AUD15-19 per flight on plain Economy), Scoot assigns seats at check-in and says your group, and even a child and parent, may not be seated together. Scoot: Choose Your Seat, checked 2026-10-24
- United Airlines
On Basic Economy United chooses your seat and says people travelling together may be separated; only up to two children under 12 can sit next to the first adult for free. United: Basic Economy, checked 2026-10-22