UK probes Ryanair over fees for parents to sit with children

Britain's competition watchdog is scrutinizing Irish carrier Ryanair over charges imposed on parents who wish to sit with their children during flights. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced Thursday it has launched an investigation into the airline's policy. Ryanair's policy dictates that at least one parent must accompany children aged between two and 11. However, to guarantee a seat next to their child, parents must pay an additional fee for what the airline terms a "mandatory family seat." The CMA is now examining whether this fee, typically around ₤8 (approximately $11) per flight, violates consumer protection laws by being "unfair." For other passengers, the choice to reserve a specific seat is generally optional. The investigation will determine if Ryanair's seat allocation practices align with consumer rights regulations.