Ryanair has announced it will introduce a free-of-charge family seating policy following an investigation by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The new policy, effective from July 1, 2026, ensures that children under 12 will be seated next to at least one accompanying adult at no extra cost.
Background of the investigation
The CAA launched an investigation in March 2026 after receiving numerous complaints from families who were charged extra to sit together. The watchdog found that Ryanair's previous policy of charging for seat selection placed an unfair burden on families, potentially violating consumer protection laws.
According to the CAA, the practice affected thousands of families annually. Ryanair's decision follows similar moves by other low-cost carriers, including easyJet and Wizz Air, which have already implemented free family seating policies.
Details of the new policy
Under the new policy, families traveling with children under 12 can book seats together without additional charges. The policy applies to bookings made directly through Ryanair's website or app. Passengers must ensure that the booking includes at least one adult per child.
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, stated: "We are pleased to introduce this family-friendly policy. While we continue to offer low fares, we recognize the importance of keeping families together during travel."
Impact on consumers
The change is expected to benefit over 1 million families per year who fly with Ryanair. Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the move, calling it a victory for passenger rights. However, some critics note that Ryanair's overall ancillary revenue from seat selection may decrease, potentially impacting ticket prices in the long run.
The CAA has confirmed that it will continue to monitor Ryanair's compliance and may take further action if necessary. The investigation into other airlines' seating policies remains ongoing.
