In brief
Ryanair has changed its policy to allow parents traveling with young children to sit together without a seat reservation fee, a move prompted by a new investigation from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The airline stated that the change brings the policy in line with most other European carriers, and it will be implemented from Thursday. CEO Michael O’Leary described the adjustment as a reluctant compliance with industry norms, while the CMA confirmed it will continue testing the policy for legal compliance. Consumer groups, including Which?, praised the reform but noted the investigation remains ongoing.
Ryanair announced changes to its family seating policy after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened a review of its practice. Families can now travel without paying for a reserved seat when parents have young children. The revised policy applies from Thursday and is said to align with most European airlines.
Background and Rationale
Under the previous policy, Ryanair required adults traveling with children to pay a reserved seat fee, often £8 one way, for up to four children to sit freely beside them. This fee was seen by some as covering the airline’s child safety and disability obligations under aviation rules. The CMA questioned whether the practice was fair under consumer law and whether it represented an unfair payment for a service that other airlines provide free.
CEO’s Response
Michael O’Leary said Ryanair would “reluctantly adjust” to this “industry standard,” stressing that its old policy complied with laws and offered families certainty when booking. He criticized the CMA for targeting the policy and argued that the airline’s approach was “universally embraced” by consumers in Europe.
CMA’s Investigation
A CMA spokesperson confirmed that Ryanair’s recent changes are being tested to ensure compliance with consumer legislation. The agency emphasized that while the new rule means families no longer pay for seating with children, the investigation into the original policy remains ongoing.
Consumer Rights Groups
The consumer advocacy group Which? highlighted the importance of the CMA’s action. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, noted that the new policy would allow parents to sit beside children without charge, encouraging Which? to monitor its implementation closely.
Ryanair’s policy change does not appear to affect its revenue, with the airline applying the “free parent seats” mainly in the rear of the aircraft where front rows are typically reserved.
