Ryanair has reversed its policy of charging families extra to sit together, following sustained public pressure and a government warning that it risked breaching consumer law. The airline announced on Thursday that it would automatically seat children under 12 with accompanying adults at no additional cost, effective immediately for all new bookings.
The decision marks a significant victory for UK families and brings the carrier into line with British regulators’ expectations. The Civil Aviation Authority had previously stated that airlines must make “reasonable efforts” to seat families together without extra fees, a position the government endorsed. Ryanair’s earlier practice of charging up to £20 per seat for reserved adjacent seating had drawn sharp criticism from consumer groups and lawmakers.
A spokesman for the airline said: “Following feedback from customers and stakeholders, Ryanair has updated its seating policy. Children under 12 will now be automatically seated next to a parent or guardian free of charge. Customers who prefer specific seats can still purchase them.” The policy change applies only to flights departing from or arriving in the UK.
The move follows a broader crackdown on ancillary fees across the aviation industry. In July, the government announced a review of airline pricing practices, particularly focusing on charges for seating, baggage, and payment processing. Ryanair, which has long relied on add-on fees to supplement its low base fares, had been a primary target of the review.
Industry analysts note that the policy shift may have a limited financial impact on Ryanair. The airline’s ancillary revenue per passenger has grown steadily, reaching €42 in 2023. However, the concession on family seating could serve to repair the company’s reputation after years of negative headlines. “This is a pragmatic response to regulatory and reputational pressure,” said aviation consultant James Halstead. “Ryanair is unlikely to lose significant revenue, as many families previously paid for seats anyway.”
Consumer rights groups welcomed the announcement. Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, said: “Families should not have to pay extra to sit together on a flight. This is a common sense change that other airlines should follow.” The Civil Aviation Authority stated it would continue to monitor compliance and urged passengers to report any issues.
Ryanair’s shares rose 1.2% on the news, suggesting investors view the change as manageable. The airline will implement the new policy through an update to its booking system, which will automatically assign adjacent seats to families with children under 12. Customers booking through third-party platforms are advised to contact the airline directly to ensure the policy is applied.
The decision comes as Ryanair faces other regulatory challenges. The airline is currently contesting a Spanish penalty for alleged unfair practices, including charging for carry-on luggage. Meanwhile, the European Commission is examining whether carriers’ pricing policies violate EU passenger rights laws.
For British families, the immediate effect is clear: from today, booking a Ryanair flight no longer means gambling on whether a six year old will end up several rows away from their parent. The policy change applies to all new reservations and will come into force for existing bookings only if seats are changed. Passengers who have already paid for seat selection can request a refund.
In a statement, transport secretary Mark Harper said: “This is a win for common sense. Families should not be forced to pay over the odds just to sit with their children. I urge all airlines to follow suit.”
