Ryanair under CMA investigation over fees for parents to sit with children

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has opened an investigation into Ryanair over its policy for seating parents with children, in a case that could shape how airlines present family-related charges.

The regulator said on June 11, 2026 that it is examining whether Ryanair unfairly charges parents to sit next to children aged 2 to 11, including disabled children, and whether the cost is disclosed clearly during the booking process.

What the CMA is investigating

The CMA said it is looking at Ryanair’s family seating policy across most of its UK routes. According to the regulator, the airline requires at least one parent to sit with those children and typically charges about £8 each way for the seat reservation.

The watchdog is also examining whether the fee is presented transparently online, including whether the booking flow amounts to drip pricing.

Hayley Fletcher, a senior director of consumer protection at the CMA, said the regulator is concerned about whether the practice is fair and whether consumers are seeing the full cost early enough.

Ryanair’s response

Ryanair rejected the concern, saying its policy complies with relevant laws and regulations.

The airline said it does not charge children to sit beside a parent or accompanying adult, and that one adult seat fee can cover adjacent seats for up to four children on the same booking free of charge.

Ryanair also argued that the policy saves families money.

Why it matters

The CMA said Ryanair is the only major airline flying out of Britain that imposes this charge. If the regulator decides the policy is unfair or insufficiently transparent, the case could have wider implications for airline pricing and how unavoidable fees are displayed during booking.

The watchdog has not reached any conclusion on whether Ryanair has broken the law.

The investigation comes as the CMA continues broader scrutiny of consumer pricing practices, especially charges that appear late in the booking process or are difficult to compare across providers.