Ryanair is under investigation over charging parents to sit with their kids
European economy airline Ryanair is under investigation in the UK for charging parents mandatory fees to sit with their children. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was looking into whether the seating fees, which may be charging parents for the airline to meet its child safety and...
By Jess WeatherbedJune 11, 2026137 views
Image: The Verge
Ryanair said the CMA’s investigation is “bogus.” | Photo by Nicolas Economou / NurPhoto via Getty Images
European economy airline Ryanair is under investigation in the UK for charging parents mandatory fees to sit with their children. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was looking into whether the seating fees, which may be charging parents for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‑related obligations, are "unfair" under consumer law.
Under Ryanair's terms and conditions, at least one parent or guardian is required to sit with children aged between 2-11 when they fly, which the airline calls a "mandatory family seat." This approach to seating imposes a fee - typically £8 (around $10) per flight, according to the …
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