Ryanair has highlighted its "extra comfort seat" option for travellers who want more room on board. The add-on allows customers to purchase a second seat next to their own seat for added comfort.
How to book an extra comfort seat
Passengers who want to take advantage of the option need to specify that the extra seat is a comfort seat when booking. According to Ryanair's online help centre, customers should book two full-fare tickets and use a specific name for the second passenger.
The airline said: "Firstly, purchase two full-fare flight tickets. Book the first ticket in your name. Then for your second ticket, enter ‘EXTRA’ as the first name and ‘COMFORT SEAT’ as the last name. ‘EXTRA COMFORT SEAT’ will then be added to your reservation. When checking in online, the same travel document details will be added for you and your extra seat."
Emergency exit row restrictions
Ryanair warns that the extra comfort seat is not suitable for passengers sitting in an emergency exit row. Safety restrictions apply, and the seats are not available to anyone who books an extra comfort seat.
According to Ryanair's website, passengers in emergency exit seats must meet specific requirements:
- Be aged 16 or older.
- Be willing and able to help in the event of an emergency.
- Not be travelling with an infant (this also applies to passengers with seats leading to emergency exit rows).
- Not require airport assistance of any kind.
- Not require a seat belt extender.
- Not have an extra comfort seat booked.
Only non-disabled adults are permitted to sit in emergency exit rows, as they may be called on to assist crew members during an emergency evacuation.
Seating advice from the CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also provides guidance on airline seating. The CAA says: "Many airlines charge for seat selection. Carriers should aim to seat children under 12 in the same row, or no more than one row or aisle away, from their accompanying adult and make all reasonable efforts to seat a disabled person or person with reduced mobility with the person accompanying them. Most airlines have processes in place to ensure this happens, but we recommend you contact the airline to confirm their seating policies."
Passengers travelling with small children should contact their airline to confirm that their preferred restraint device is acceptable and appropriate for the aircraft type. Some passengers are also restricted from sitting in emergency exit rows.
