Ryanair investigated in UK over fees for parents to sit with children

Ryanair faces a probe in Britain over its policy of charging passengers to sit next to their children on flights. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether the low-cost airline's terms constitute an abusive contract clause.

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Ryanair's terms and conditions require at least one parent to sit with their children, aged between 2 and 11, by booking a paid 'family seat,' while for all other passengers, seat booking is optional.

According to the CMA, Ryanair's conditions require at least one parent to sit with children aged 2 to 11 by booking a paid "family seat." While booking seats is optional for other passengers, this requirement is in place for families. The fee for these seats typically amounts to about 8 pounds ($9.27 euros) per flight.

This practice is prohibited in Italy but is reportedly used on most Ryanair routes departing from the UK. The CMA stated it would provide an update on the investigation's progress within six months. Violating consumer protection laws could result in fines up to 10% of a company's global revenue.

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Ryanair has denounced the investigation as a 'farce,' stating that it fully complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Ryanair has dismissed the investigation as a "farce," asserting full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The airline stated that adults traveling with children pay a seat booking fee but can select adjacent seats for up to four children on the same booking free of charge.

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Adults traveling with children pay a seat booking fee, but can select free reserved seats next to them for up to four children on the same booking.