Ryanair Ends Fee for Parents to Sit Next to Children After Regulator Review

Ryanair changed its family seating policy on 25 June 2026 so that adults traveling with children who do not pay a seat reservation fee receive free seats next to their children after check-in. BBC News reported that the free seats are located at the back of the aircraft and that the change took effect the same day.

Under the previous policy adults paid one reserved seat fee of £8 each way and could select free adjacent seats for up to four children.

Ryanair stated the new arrangement will not affect its revenue. Michael O'Leary said Ryanair would "reluctantly adjust to this industry standard" while maintaining that the earlier policy fully complied with laws and had given families certainty. " The Competition and Markets Authority opened its investigation into the old policy earlier in June 2026.

A CMA spokesperson said Ryanair claims its new seating policy now complies with the law and that the investigation remains ongoing. Which? had previously reported Ryanair's seating policy to the CMA.

Rory Boland said Which? will monitor whether all parents are seated next to their children without charge over the next few months.