In brief
After a CMA investigation into its family‑seat policy, Ryanair announced a change that will let parents sit with their children without paying a reservation fee. The change mirrors other European airlines and is said to have minimal impact on revenue. CEO Michael O’Leary called the adjustment a reluctant concession, asserting the previous policy met legal standards and provided certainty for families. The CMA is still examining whether the old fee was unlawful and will test the new policy under consumer law. Consumer‑rights watchdog Which? will monitor whether families can sit together freely in the months ahead.
Ryanair has relaxed its family‑seat rules, allowing parents to sit beside their children without a seat‑reservation fee after a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) probe began.
The low‑cost carrier said the new arrangement, introduced on Thursday, mirrors what most other European airlines already offer and will not impact its revenue.
Chief executive Michael O'Leary described the change as a reluctant concession to industry practice, insisting Ryanair's earlier policy complied with legislation and gave travellers certainty about seating.
The CMA is still examining whether the prior fee—usually around £8 each way—was unlawful, and will test whether the revised policy now meets consumer‑law standards.
Consumer‑rights group Which? said Ryanair should not have had to report the issue, pledging to monitor whether all families can sit together freely in the coming months.
