RYA - more bad news11 Jun 2026 17:36
Ryanair is being investigated by the UK's competition watchdog over charges it imposes on parents to sit next to their child on flights.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was looking into whether the airline's policy, which the watchdog said typically led to a fee of Β£8 each way, was "unfair" under consumer law.
It said Ryanair's terms and conditions state a parent must sit with their child if aged between two years and 11, and this is done through what the airline calls a "mandatory family seat" that the parent must pay a fee for.
Consumer rights body Which? welcomed the investigation.
"Which? has repeatedly highlighted Ryanair's harsh approach to separating families and making parents pay a fee to sit next to children as young as three," said Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, "so it's good to see the regulator investigating the airline's behaviour."
He added: "Ryanair doesn't have to wait for the outcome of the CMA's investigation, it could stop charging these unreasonable fees today and we would encourage them to do that."
The investigation is part of the CMA's wider aims to help ease cost of living pressures. Under new powers, it can fine companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they breach consumer law.
Iβm hoping they get done for this. No brains at the top of this cowboy operation. Cue π€‘ JH with his usual WAFFLE.