Ryanair recently implemented a new seating policy that will affect families traveling with the budget airline. Starting immediately, adult passengers flying with children who opt not to choose or pay for a reserved seat will receive a complimentary seat assignment after checking in for their flight.
This adjustment means that parents accompanied by kids will save money. Families selecting the random seat allocation are likely to be seated towards the back of the aircraft, as front rows are usually reserved and fill up quickly. For those who prefer to sit together at the front, a fee will be required.
According to a statement from Ryanair, this update aligns the airline’s family seating policy with most other EU carriers. The change is expected to have no impact on Ryanair’s revenue, while families will continue to benefit financially by flying with Europe’s lowest fare airline.
This modification follows an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into whether Ryanair was overcharging parents to sit with their children on flights. The CMA is evaluating if this practice complies with consumer law. Ryanair previously enforced a mandatory family seat reservation for parents traveling with children aged between two and 11, with children under two sitting on their parent’s lap during the flight.
The CMA disclosed that the fee for a mandatory family seat was typically around £8 each way. Ryanair was singled out as the only major UK airline imposing this charge, while other carriers offer complimentary seat allocation for children alongside a parent. The CMA is exploring whether Ryanair’s approach to family seat reservations meets consumer law standards.
Ryanair affirmed that its long-standing family seating policy adheres to all relevant laws and regulations. The airline clarified that adults traveling with children only pay for one reserved seat, with up to four children seated for free alongside them. This strategy provides families with seat certainty at booking and is highly valued alongside Ryanair’s cost-effective fares.
Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, criticized the CMA’s actions, labeling them as detrimental to consumers. However, he acknowledged the need to align with industry standards. Under the revised policy, families may have to wait until check-in for seat allocation and are more likely to be seated towards the rear of the cabin.
The CMA has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
