The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ryanair over fees charged to parents who wish to sit with their children during flights. The watchdog is examining whether the airline's family seating policy violates consumer protection laws.
CMA Investigation Details
The CMA stated that Ryanair requires at least one parent to sit with children aged between two and 11 through a mandatory family seat reservation. While seat selection is optional for other passengers, parents are charged approximately £8 each way for this service. The regulator is assessing whether this practice forces parents to pay for the airline to meet its child safety and disability-related obligations under aviation rules.
The CMA will determine if Ryanair's approach aligns with consumer law, potentially leading to enforcement action if found in breach.
Ryanair's Response
Ryanair has strongly defended its policy, asserting full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The airline emphasized that it does not charge fees for children to sit beside parents; instead, adults pay a single reserved seat fee, while up to four children on the same booking can sit beside them free of charge.
In a statement, Ryanair described the CMA investigation as "bogus" and accused the Starmer Government of using it to appear pro-consumer while failing to abolish Air Passenger Duty (APD), which the airline claims would lower fares for all passengers and boost the UK aviation sector.
Context and Implications
The investigation highlights ongoing tensions between low-cost carriers and regulators over ancillary fees. If the CMA rules against Ryanair, it could set a precedent for how airlines charge for family seating, potentially leading to industry-wide changes. Ryanair has vowed to disprove the claims during the investigation.
