Ryanair Under Investigation by CMA Over Unfair Family Seating Fees
UK Watchdog Launches Probe Into Ryanair Family Seating Fees
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into budget airline Ryanair over mandatory fees forced upon parents to sit with their children.
Under Ryanair’s current terms and conditions, at least one adult must pay for a “mandatory family seat” when traveling with children aged 2 to 11. This policy, which applies to the majority of Ryanair’s UK routes, typically adds an extra £8 per flight to the cost of a trip. While the airline promotes “free reserved seats” for children under 12, parents cannot access them without paying this adult booking fee. Evidence indicates that Ryanair is the only major airline operating in the UK that enforces this type of charge.
Investigating Fairness and “Dripped” Fees
The CMA is evaluating whether this policy breaks consumer law by creating an unfair contract term that puts families at a disadvantage. Specifically, investigators are examining whether Ryanair is unlawfully charging parents to meet basic aviation safety and disability obligations.
Additionally, the watchdog is investigating whether Ryanair hides these mandatory costs until late in the booking process—a practice known as “dripping.” Consumer protection laws strictly require businesses to display the total price upfront so travelers can accurately compare costs.
“Lots of families save up to afford a summer holiday and we know that extra charges can quickly bump up the price,” said Hayley Fletcher, Senior Director of Consumer Protection at the CMA. She warned that businesses failing to show total prices upfront face serious legal action.
The investigation comes at a time when 32% of consumers report plans to cut holiday spending to cope with the rising cost of living. The CMA emphasizes that the inquiry is in its early stages and has not yet reached a final conclusion on whether Ryanair broke the law.