Ryanair has announced an immediate change to its seating policy for families, following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into potential overcharging of parents flying with children. Under the new rules, adult passengers accompanied by children who do not pay for reserved seating will receive complimentary seat allocation, revealed after check-in. These seats are expected to be towards the rear of the aircraft, as front-row seats are typically reserved and sell out quickly.
The CMA launched its investigation two weeks ago, examining whether Ryanair's practice of charging parents for a 'mandatory family seat' – typically around £8 each way – complies with consumer law. The watchdog noted that Ryanair is the only major UK airline to impose such a charge, with other carriers offering free adjacent seating for children. Ryanair had previously branded the investigation as 'bogus' and a 'failed effort by the Starmer Government'.
In a statement, Ryanair said the policy tweak 'will align Ryanair's family seating policy with that of most other EU airlines' and will be 'revenue-neutral'. The airline added that families will continue to save '€billions every year' by flying with the carrier. Chief executive Michael O'Leary accused the CMA of 'failing consumers' but conceded: 'We will reluctantly adjust to this industry standard as we don't want to waste time explaining to misguided regulators.'
Under the previous policy, parents of children aged two to 11 were required to pay for a reserved seat for themselves, with children then assigned adjacent seats free of charge. The CMA's investigation will consider whether this approach means 'parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability-related obligations'. Ryanair maintains its policy 'fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations'.
