TL;DR
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into Ryanair over its practice of charging parents extra fees to sit next to their children on flights. The CMA is examining whether the airline's seating assignment practices may breach consumer protection law by effectively forcing families to pay additional fees to avoid being separated.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Sources: CMA, GOV.UK
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Consumer Rights CMA: Ryanair Seat Charge Investigation Investigating body: Competition and Markets AuthorityIssue: fees to sit with childrenLegal basis: Consumer Protection from Unfair TradingStatus: investigation opened — no finding yetRegulator: CMA |
What the CMA is investigating
The Competition and Markets Authority has opened a formal investigation into Ryanair's seating assignment practices, specifically examining whether the airline charges parents fees that are effectively unavoidable if they wish to sit next to young children on flights. The CMA is assessing whether this practice may constitute an unfair commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Ryanair's standard booking process assigns seats automatically unless passengers pay to select specific seats. Where children are booked on a reservation, the automatic assignment does not guarantee adjacent seating to travelling adults. Parents who wish to ensure they sit next to young children are therefore directed towards paid seat selection options.
The consumer protection law context
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibit traders from using aggressive commercial practices, including practices that exploit a consumer's vulnerability to pressure them into a transactional decision they would not otherwise make. The CMA's investigation will examine whether presenting parents with a choice between paying seat fees and risking separation from their children constitutes such a practice.
Civil Aviation Authority guidance already states that airlines should seat children next to an accompanying adult without charging an additional fee. However, CAA guidance is not legally binding in the same way as consumer protection legislation. The CMA's investigation seeks to establish whether there is a legal breach, not merely a failure to follow guidance.
What this means for families flying now
The CMA investigation is at an early stage and no finding has been made. Ryanair continues to operate its current seating policy during the investigation. Families booking Ryanair flights should be aware that automatic seat assignment does not guarantee adjacent seating for children and adults on the same booking.
Passengers who have paid seat selection fees specifically to sit next to children and believe they were misled about the necessity of doing so can raise a complaint with Ryanair directly. If the complaint is not resolved, it can be escalated to the Civil Aviation Authority's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team.
Broader industry context
The Ryanair investigation follows the CMA's broader work on drip pricing and unavoidable fees in consumer markets. The CMA has previously taken action against airlines and other consumer-facing businesses for adding fees that are effectively unavoidable at the point of booking. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has strengthened the CMA's enforcement powers in this area.
Other airlines including easyJet and Wizz Air have faced similar scrutiny over family seating practices. The CAA published guidance in 2023 calling on airlines to ensure children under 12 are seated next to an accompanying adult without charge, but uptake has been inconsistent across the industry.
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Disclaimer This article covers an ongoing CMA investigation. No finding has been made against Ryanair. Kael Tripton Ltd is an independent editorial publisher. |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ryanair legally required to seat children next to parents?
The CAA guidance states airlines should do so without additional charge, but this is guidance rather than binding law. The CMA's investigation will determine whether there is a breach of consumer protection legislation. No legal requirement currently exists in statute specifically mandating adjacent seating for families.
Can I get a refund if I paid to sit next to my child?
Not automatically. If the CMA investigation finds a breach and takes enforcement action, it may seek remedies including refunds for affected passengers. At this stage, no refund mechanism has been established. Passengers who believe they were misled should raise a complaint with Ryanair and, if unresolved, with the CAA.
What is the CMA and what powers does it have?
The Competition and Markets Authority is the UK's primary competition and consumer protection regulator. It can investigate potentially unfair commercial practices, take enforcement action and impose significant fines on businesses found to have breached consumer protection law. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, the CMA has new direct enforcement powers without needing to go to court.
Do other airlines charge families to sit together?
Seat selection fee practices vary across airlines. Many low-cost carriers use similar automatic assignment systems that require payment for specific seat selection. The CAA guidance applies to all airlines operating UK routes, though enforcement has been inconsistent.
How do I complain about an airline's seating policy?
Raise a formal complaint directly with the airline first. If unresolved after eight weeks or if a deadlock letter is issued, escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team. For complaints about unfair commercial practices, you can also report to the CMA via their website.
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Sources CMA: Ryanair Investigation |
