Russian airlines are facing a possible rule change that would restrict seating parents with their children together on flights. A group of lawmakers from United Russia is shaping amendments to Russia’s Air Regulations, with reporting suggesting the draft is still in its early stages. One of the initiators, Tatyana Butskaya, a prominent deputy and first deputy chair of the State Duma committee focused on family protection and childhood issues, indicated the process is just beginning and that the text needs careful clarification.
The discussions so far revolve around which ages would be affected by the proposed ban. Lawmakers have not settled on a specific cutoff, and several options are under review, including applying the rule to children under 12 or 14, with the possibility of extending to 18 in cases involving disability. A central premise of the proposal is that parents should have the option of free seating together with young children, while noting that budget carriers often rely on seating arrangements as a revenue element.
Butskaya emphasized that the primary aim is safety in flight. He argued that keeping children near their parents helps manage feeding needs, calming efforts, and other situations that arise during a flight. The deputy pointed out that being separated by aisles or rows could complicate moments when a child requires immediate attention or reassurance.
Parliamentary comments suggest that in many scenarios parental proximity reduces potential disturbances and supports smoother in-flight experiences. The lawmaker highlighted comfort concerns that arise when children are not in close contact with guardians, stressing that visible benefits extend beyond safety to overall passenger well-being.
Earlier, in December 2023, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced a review of rules governing passengers traveling with children. A notable outcome was the permission for travelers to choose a companion for the child during the flight. The rule change came under the direction of the Prosecutor General, Igor Krasnov, reflecting ongoing efforts to refine passenger rights and responsibilities in air travel.
There have also been instances where flight crews quickly responded to medical emergencies involving infants. In one such episode, crew members assisted a baby who stopped breathing during a flight, underscoring how quickly trained staff must act and the importance of ensuring appropriate support for young travelers on board. The broader policy discussions continue to balance safety, parental needs, and airline operations, with authorities weighing how to implement protections without imposing undue burdens on carriers. [Source attribution]