Cheap flights from Joplin to Charleston (JLN - CHS) from $593

When I booked my flight reservation, I tried to purchase seating arrangements for my family. (2 or my older kids I was able to purchase seats) However, trying to do so over the phone the representative told me, that it was not necessary to purchase then- that is it united airlines policy to seat families together if you tell them. While 2 of my kids could sit together, my husband nor I were able to sit next to our youngest- who is terrified of flying- because the flight only had 2 empty seats. When I told the employee before boarding she told my husband that he was “lucky to even have a seat” after we had purchased these tickets many months prior. I spoke with her and told her that I was told it is united airlines policy to sit families together, she said that they recently have changed policies and she can not honor it. Will not fly with them again.