Money Saving Expert (MSE) has shared advice on how families can sit together on flights without paying extra fees. The consumer website urges passengers to check airline policies before booking, as some carriers offer free seat selection.
MSE explains that many airlines charge for seat allocation, but checking in early can often secure adjacent seats for groups on the same booking. The site notes: 'All of the major airlines bar Ryanair told us their seat allocation systems will always try to seat groups on the same booking together.' However, there are no guarantees unless you pay.
For families with young children, Ryanair guarantees that children under 12 will sit with at least one adult, provided the adult pays for one seat. Up to four children can then sit next to them for free. MSE highlights this as a key exception to the general rule.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises airlines to seat parents close to children, ideally no more than one aisle or row apart, and says parents should not have to pay to avoid separation. However, these are guidelines, not strict rules.
