The UK's competition regulator has launched an investigation into Ryanair's policy of charging some parents to sit next to their children during flights, raising concerns that the practice may breach consumer protection laws.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it is examining whether Ryanair's seating policy, which can require families to pay an additional fee to guarantee seats together, could be considered unfair. The review focuses on children aged between two and 11, who under the airline's rules must be seated with an accompanying adult.
Regulators are also assessing whether the charge could amount to "drip pricing" — a practice where consumers are initially shown a lower price and only discover mandatory or unavoidable extra costs later in the booking process. UK law requires businesses to display the full unavoidable cost upfront to allow customers to make informed comparisons.
According to the CMA, Ryanair appears to be the only major airline operating in the UK that imposes this type of charge on families. The authority noted that the fee is not applied in every case, and some parents are able to sit with their children without paying extra.
Ryanair has strongly criticised the investigation, describing it as unfounded. The airline insists its family seating policy complies with all applicable laws and regulations and argues that it helps reduce travel costs for families.
A spokesperson said that while passengers who choose specific seats generally pay a reservation fee, adults travelling with children can select seats next to up to four children on the same booking without charge under the airline's family seating arrangements.
The CMA stressed that the inquiry remains in its early stages and that no conclusions have been reached. Depending on the outcome, the regulator could decide to take enforcement action, require changes to Ryanair's practices, or close the investigation if no breaches are found.