Ryanair has introduced a new seating policy that will impact families traveling with the budget airline. Starting immediately, adult passengers flying with children who opt not to select or pay for reserved seats will be assigned seats for free after checking in. This change is designed to help parents save money, with families choosing this random seat allocation likely to be seated towards the back of the aircraft.
For parents who wish to sit next to their children at the front of the plane, a fee will be required. Ryanair’s statement highlighted that this adjustment in family seating aligns their policy with other EU airlines while maintaining revenue neutrality for the airline.
This announcement follows an investigation initiated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into Ryanair’s previous practice of charging parents to sit with their children on flights. The CMA is assessing whether this approach complies with consumer law. Ryanair defended its former policy, stating that it complied with all relevant laws and regulations, emphasizing that children can sit beside their parent or accompanying adult at no extra charge.
Ryanair’s CEO criticized the CMA for its handling of the issue but stated that the airline would adjust to the industry standard to avoid prolonged disputes. Under the revised policy, families may have their seating allocation revealed after check-in and are more likely to be seated towards the rear of the cabin.
The CMA has not provided further comments on the matter at this time.