Ryanair is facing an investigation from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over its practice of charging parents to sit next to their children on flights. The watchdog will assess whether the policy complies with consumer law.
CMA investigation details
The CMA announced it will examine whether Ryanair's mandatory "family seat" fee, typically around 8 pounds per flight, breaches regulations. The airline requires at least one parent to be seated with a child aged 2 to 11, and charges for this reservation. Other airlines usually provide adjacent seating at no extra cost.
The regulator expressed concern that the fee may be "dripped" during the booking process, meaning the full price is not shown upfront. Under consumer law, businesses must display the total price including unavoidable charges.
Ryanair's response
Ryanair rejected the investigation, calling it "bogus" and accusing the government of failing to abolish Air Passenger Duty. The airline insists its policy complies with UK law and does not charge for children to sit beside parents, noting that only one adult seat is paid for.
A spokesperson stated: "Ryanair's family seating policy fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations, and saves families money when travelling on the UK's lowest fare airline."
Consumer impact
Hayley Fletcher, Senior Director of Consumer Protection at the CMA, said: "Lots of families save up to afford a summer holiday and we know that extra charges can quickly bump up the price. Our investigation will consider Ryanair's approach to family seat reservations and how the cost is presented to consumers."
The CMA emphasizes it is at the beginning of its inquiry and has not concluded whether any law has been broken.
