Ryanair has implemented an immediate change to its seating policy for families, now offering complimentary random seat allocation to adults travelling with children who do not purchase reserved seats. The updated policy takes effect from today, June 25, 2026.
New Policy Details
Under the revised rules, adult passengers accompanied by children who choose not to select or pay for reserved seats will receive free seat allocation upon check-in. Families opting for this random allocation are expected to be seated towards the back of the aircraft, as front rows are typically reserved and sell out earliest. Parents wishing to sit with their children in forward rows will still need to pay for reserved seats.
Ryanair's Statement
In a statement released this morning, Ryanair said: "This minor policy tweak will align Ryanair's family seating policy with that of most other EU airlines, which responds to the desire of Europe's regulators to stifle innovation and progress. The tweak will be revenue-neutral for Ryanair while families will continue saving €billions every year by choosing to travel on Europe's lowest fare airline."
Background of the CMA Investigation
The change comes two weeks after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into whether Ryanair was overcharging parents to sit with their children. The CMA stated it would determine if the practice complied with consumer law. At the time, Ryanair called the investigation "bogus" and a "failed effort by the Starmer Government to pretend it cares about consumers."
Previously, Ryanair required parents of children aged 2 to 11 to pay for a mandatory family seat reservation, typically costing around £8 each way according to the CMA. Children under two had to sit on a parent's lap. The CMA noted that Ryanair was "the only major airline flying out of the UK to impose this charge," while other carriers either seat children with a parent without extra cost or assign seats together at booking.
Ryanair's Defense
A Ryanair spokesperson earlier defended the policy, stating: "Our long-standing family seating policy fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Ryanair does not charge any fee for children to sit beside their parent or accompanying adult. Like all adults who select a reserved seat, adults travelling with children pay one reserved seat fee, but can select reserved seats beside them for up to four children on the same booking free of charge."
CEO Michael O'Leary's Response
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary issued a combative statement, accusing the CMA of "failing consumers," before acknowledging: "We will reluctantly adjust to this industry standard as we don't want to waste time explaining to misguided regulators how badly they misunderstand what is in the best interest of UK and Europe's consumers. Under our revised family seating policy, families may have to wait until after they have checked in to find out their seat allocation and are more likely to be seated at the rear of the cabin but at least the CMA will be able to claim they have done something for consumers, but sadly most consumers won't notice."
The CMA has been approached for further comment.
