Key facts
- Airlines will be required to seat children under 14 with a parent or accompanying adult free of charge.
- Parents could previously be charged up to £104 on a return journey for seating arrangements.
- Passengers will be able to correct simple name errors on bookings for free, ending charges that could be as much as £40.
- A new system is being developed to share information on persistently disruptive passengers.
- Over 1,000 serious disruptive passenger incidents were logged by airlines in 2025.
The UK government is implementing new regulations aimed at reducing extra charges for air travelers, particularly focusing on families and minor booking errors. Under the new plans, airlines will be mandated to seat children under the age of 14 with a parent or accompanying adult without additional cost. This move is part of the Prime Minister's initiative to address 'everyday fixes' that impact household finances.
Previously, parents could face charges of up to £104 for a return journey simply to sit next to their child. The reforms also eliminate fees, sometimes as high as £40, for correcting simple name mistakes on flight bookings. These changes are intended to provide greater flexibility and cost savings for passengers.
In addition to consumer-facing changes, the government is collaborating with airlines and trade unions to establish a system for identifying and managing persistently disruptive passengers. This initiative follows over 1,000 serious disruptive incidents recorded in 2025, aiming to enhance safety for both passengers and crew. The reforms are expected to be in place before the summer holidays next year, ensuring greater consistency across all airlines operating in the UK.