. Seriously, nobody is hurt by this move and look at the two threads you’ve contributed to about it. What is going on in your life that this is such a big deal? Really explain it to me so I understand your lack of compassion for fellow human beings. Nobody is asking you to open up your purse, I would maybe understand your point of view if it was going to harm you in some way.
Since you asked...
I care for a couple of reasons...
1) I like logistics. I like learning how/why things are done.
2) I don't want to have planned (and paid for) a certain seat, and then have that seat changed, possibly to a middle seat on a long flight, because of someone else's LACK OF PLANNING.
3) I do have compassion for parents and kids. I've traveled with kids young enough that we installed a car seat on flights. I have no problem lending a helping hand.
I do NOT understand the argument "we have kids so things should be cheaper for us". Please, can you explain why? How many people have had no problem paying extra to select their seat for whatever reason? Maybe they like the front, the back, the aisle, the window, or sitting with someone. Please, can you explain why it it SO HARD for parents to plan accordingly to what their needs are?
Now, maybe airlines are going away from "basic economy". I don't see it as a choice on United from my home airport to MCO on a random day in April or in September. Delta still has it. You know the price difference (again, a random flight) between Basic Economy (no seat selection) and "Main Cabin"? $8. Round trip. $8 per person. Do I think someone is a "terrible parent" because they choose BE? No. Do I think they're making a bad decision? Yes. Would I make the same decision? To save $8 per person? So save $40 with the risk we might not sit together? On a trip that's probably costing thousands? No.
As far as why I keep responding, blame my grandmother. She taught me that if you have a belief, stick to it until someone convinces you otherwise. So go ahead, explain why it's important for you to save that $8 a person, take the chance you're not seated with your children, and then complain because you're not seated with your children.