The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ryanair's practice of charging parents a fee to sit next to their children on flights. The budget airline, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, imposes a mandatory fee of approximately £8 per flight for a parent to be seated with their child, including those with disabilities.
CMA Investigation Details
The CMA will examine whether Ryanair's terms and conditions constitute an unfair contract term under consumer law. The watchdog noted that Ryanair is the only major airline flying from the UK to impose such a charge. The investigation will assess if the fee puts customers at an unfair disadvantage, particularly as other airlines offer free seat allocation for families.
Ryanair's Response
Ryanair has dismissed the investigation as "bogus" and stated it looks forward to disproving the CMA's claims. The airline argues that its family seating policy complies with all relevant laws and saves families money. It emphasized that while adults pay a reservation fee, up to four children can be seated beside them free of charge.
Consumer Law Context
The CMA's probe focuses on whether the fee is "dripped" during the booking process without full transparency, a practice banned in 2024. The watchdog has warned businesses to show total prices upfront or face enforcement action. The investigation is part of broader efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures and protect vulnerable consumers.
Ryanair's fees range from €4.50 to €13.50 (£4-£12), typically £8 each way, applied on both outbound and return flights. The CMA has yet to conclude whether Ryanair has broken the law, but it can impose fines and secure refunds under strengthened consumer powers.
