Budget airline Ryanair is under scrutiny for its policy of charging parents to sit with their children on flights. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether this practice aligns with consumer laws. Ryanair has criticized the probe, calling it “bogus” and accusing the government of insincerity towards consumer welfare.
The CMA highlighted that Ryanair mandates at least one parent to sit with children aged between two and 11, referred to as a mandatory family seat, costing around £8 each way. The investigation aims to determine if these charges are related to child safety and disability obligations as stipulated by aviation regulations. Notably, Ryanair is the only major airline in the UK imposing such fees, unlike other carriers that offer complimentary seating arrangements for families.
Furthermore, the CMA will assess if Ryanair transparently discloses the mandatory family seat fee during booking, ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws. Hayley Fletcher, from the CMA, emphasized the importance of upfront pricing to prevent unexpected charges for families planning holidays. Ryanair defended its policy, asserting that it adheres to all regulations, benefits families financially, and does not charge for children to sit with their parents.
The airline criticized the CMA’s investigation as a political maneuver and highlighted its commitment to consumer welfare through competitive pricing. Ryanair is prepared to challenge the allegations and asserts that abolishing air passenger duty would lower fares and stimulate growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.
