Ryanair has backtracked on its contentious child seating policy, deciding to scrap the extra charge for parents to sit beside their children. The move comes after a long-standing campaign by consumer advocacy group Which? and an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This change of heart marks a significant shift for Ryanair, with parents of disabled children among those who had been charged to sit with them.
The CMA launched its probe on 11 June into whether Ryanair's practice was unfair. It highlighted concerns about 'drip pricing', a tactic where fees are buried in the booking process and only revealed later. The investigation follows new laws aimed at banning this practice, introduced last year to increase transparency in consumer transactions.
Chief Executive Michael O'Leary admitted that Ryanair would 'reluctantly adjust to industry standards'. This concession brings an end to a long-running eight-year campaign by Which?, which first raised concerns about the airline's policy in 2018. Initially, parents were charged £6 for one adult to reserve a seat, with children under 12 receiving free reserved seats.
Which? had consistently argued that separating young children from their parents poses a safety risk, especially during emergencies. The UK Flight Safety Committee has warned that such policies could hinder evacuations as individuals would naturally try to reach loved ones.
The decision will be welcomed by British families planning holidays with Ryanair, potentially leading to lower overall flight costs and more predictable booking processes. However, passengers should remain vigilant about other optional charges often associated with budget airlines, including baggage fees and priority boarding.