The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced an investigation into Ryanair, focusing on the airline's policy of charging families to sit together. This move comes amid ongoing concerns that some airlines may not be providing clear and fair pricing for families travelling with young children who wish to be seated collectively.
The CMA's probe will scrutinise Ryanair's practices to determine whether they comply with consumer protection law. Previously, the competition watchdog had advised airlines to ensure that their pricing structures for seating, particularly for families, are transparent and do not disadvantage consumers. This advice was issued following a broader review of the airline sector, which identified areas where consumers could be misled or face unexpected costs.
Ryanair has stated that its policy offers an optional service, allowing parents to choose to pay a fee to guarantee adjacent seats. The airline maintains that it endeavours to seat families together where possible, even if they choose not to pay for reserved seating, but this cannot be guaranteed without payment. The cost for seat selection on Ryanair can vary significantly, often ranging from approximately £3 to £20 per person per flight segment, depending on the specific seat, route, and time of booking. For a family of four, this could add a substantial amount to the overall cost of a return journey.
The investigation will consider whether the information provided by Ryanair about these charges is sufficiently clear at the point of booking and whether the charges themselves are fair. The CMA has the power to take enforcement action if it finds that Ryanair has breached consumer law, which could include requiring the airline to change its practices or face financial penalties.
This development follows a period where many UK families have expressed frustration over rising ancillary fees from airlines, including charges for luggage, priority boarding, and seat selection. For many, the ability to sit with their children, especially young ones, is not an optional extra but a necessity for a safe and comfortable journey.