Ryanair faces UK probe over child seat fees

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into Ryanair concerning its practice of charging parents to sit with their children on flights. Ryanair's terms and conditions mandate that at least one parent must sit with children aged 2 to 11, a requirement fulfilled through a "mandatory family seat" fee, typically around £8 each way. This fee is presented as necessary to secure a seat next to the child, while seat reservations are optional for other passengers.

The CMA is examining whether this practice constitutes an unfair contract term under consumer law, which deems terms unfair if they disadvantage customers and tilt the balance of rights too heavily in favor of the business. The investigation will also scrutinize whether Ryanair "drips" additional charges during the booking process, potentially obscuring the total price consumers will ultimately pay, a practice that violates consumer law requiring upfront presentation of all unavoidable charges.

Ryanair is reportedly the only major UK-flying airline to impose such a charge, with competitors often allocating seats together for free or offering free reservations for children. The CMA has emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and no conclusions have been reached regarding potential breaches of law. This probe aligns with the CMA's broader efforts to alleviate cost of living pressures and protect vulnerable consumers.