Ryanair investigated by UK watchdog over child seat fees
Quick Look
- Ryanair faces a UK Competition and Markets Authority investigation into its policy of charging parents extra to sit next to their children on flights.
- The watchdog is examining if these fees are for the airline to meet its safety obligations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ryanair's terms and conditions require parents to sit with children aged between two and 11. This is enforced through a "mandatory family seat" fee, typically costing £8 each way.
Ryanair is being investigated by the UK's competition watchdog over charges it imposes on parents to sit next to their child on flights.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said Ryanair's terms and conditions state a parent must sit with their child if aged between two years and 11.
This is done through what Ryanair calls a "mandatory family seat" that the parent must pay for, which the watchdog said typically costs £8 each way.
The CMA is looking at whether the airline's "approach to seat reservations may mean parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‑related obligations as set out under aviation rules".
Ryanair has been contacted for comment.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The CMA will likely issue a ruling on Ryanair's seat reservation policy.
Very likely · Within months
Ryanair may be required to change its seat reservation policy or offer refunds.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Ryanair be found in breach of regulations?
- What will be the penalty if Ryanair is found in breach?
- Will Ryanair change its policy or refund affected customers?
- Are other airlines subject to similar investigations?
