In a significant policy reversal, Ryanair has announced that it will no longer charge parents for seating their children adjacent to them on flights. The budget airline, which previously faced criticism for its fee-heavy approach, now declares that all children under 12 will be automatically seated with a parent at no additional charge during standard bookings. The change, effective immediately, applies to all flights across the carrier's network.
Ryanair's pivot comes after mounting public pressure and scrutiny from consumer advocacy groups. The airline had been accused of profiting from family travellers by charging up to €20 per seat for pre-reserved adjacent seating. Under the previous system, families who chose not to pay risked being scattered across the cabin, a policy that drew sharp criticism from passenger rights organisations.
Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, acknowledged the turnaround in a statement. 'We listened to our customers and understand that family travel can be stressful. We are committed to making our flights more family-friendly. This change ensures that parents and young children can sit together without additional financial burden.'
The industry response has been mixed. Some analysts view the move as a strategic correction aimed at regaining market share among families, particularly during the school holiday periods. Others argue that it reflects a broader trend among low-cost carriers to re-evaluate ancillary revenue models.
The policy change aligns with a growing regulatory movement. In 2023, the UK Civil Aviation Authority launched a consultation on the fairness of airline seating policies for families, citing the 'inconvenience and distress' caused by separation. While no binding regulations have been enacted, Ryanair's decision may pre-empt more stringent government intervention.
Critics, however, note that the policy only covers children under 12 and does not apply to other family configurations, such as multiple children or infants needing adjacent adults. Furthermore, while the automatic seating removes the fee, families seeking to guarantee specific seats (e.g., window or aisle) may still incur charges.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that ancillary revenue from seat selection accounts for a significant portion of low-cost carriers' income. Ryanair's decision may impact its overall profitability, but the airline frames it as a long-term investment in customer loyalty.
From a consumer perspective, the reform is a welcome relief. Travellers have often cited hidden fees as a primary source of frustration. A 2024 survey by the European Consumer Organisation found that 72% of respondents considered seat selection fees for families as 'unfair'. The Ryanair decision may pressure competitors, such as Wizz Air and easyJet, to adopt similar policies.
As the airline industry continues to recover from the pandemic, such shifts in pricing strategy underscore the delicate balance between operational costs and passenger satisfaction. Ryanair's U-turn on family seats represents a notable concession to passenger sentiment, one that may reshape the budget travel landscape. The coming months will reveal whether this move translates into increased bookings or whether it is merely a tactical adjustment in a fiercely competitive market.
