Ryanair is facing scrutiny from UK regulators over its policy requiring families travelling with children to pay for seat reservations, with authorities investigating whether the charges are fair and comply with consumer protection rules.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an inquiry into the airline’s family seating policy, examining whether the fees could constitute hidden charges and place an unfair burden on passengers travelling with young children.
Regulators question family seating charges
Under Ryanair’s current policy, at least one parent or guardian must sit next to a child aged between two and 11 years old during a flight. To guarantee this arrangement, the adult is required to purchase a reserved seat.
According to the CMA, the average cost of reserving a seat is around £8 (€9.25) per flight. The regulator is assessing whether these additional costs are compatible with rules designed to protect consumers from unexpected fees during the booking process.
Authorities also noted that Ryanair appears to be the only major airline operating from the United Kingdom that applies such charges to families in this way.
Ryanair rejects criticism
Ryanair has strongly criticised the investigation, describing it as a “fake inquiry” and pledging to challenge the allegations.
The airline argues that it does not charge children for sitting next to their parents. Instead, it says the fee applies only to the accompanying adult who chooses a reserved seat.
According to Ryanair, reserved seats typically cost between €4.50 and €13.50 (£4-£12), with the average charge around £8 per one-way journey.
The carrier maintains that its policy ensures children are seated alongside a parent or guardian while still allowing the airline to operate its low-cost business model.
EU rules set to change in 2027
The investigation comes as the European Union prepares to introduce new passenger rights rules expected to take effect in 2027. Under the provisional agreement reached by the European Parliament and the European Council, airlines will no longer be allowed to charge extra fees for seating a child aged 14 or under next to a parent or accompanying adult. The same protections will apply to passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility and pregnant travellers.
