Ryanair faces UK regulator probe over mandatory family‑seat fee

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into Ryanair’s policy that requires a parent to purchase a “mandatory family seat” for children aged 2‑11. The fee, typically about £8 per flight leg, is charged on most Ryanair UK routes and is presented as a separate charge during booking. The watchdog is assessing whether the practice breaches consumer‑law rules on unfair contract terms and “drip pricing”, as the total price may not be shown up front. Ryanair denies any wrongdoing, calling the probe “bogus” and saying the policy complies with all regulations and actually saves families money, noting that only one adult seat is charged while up to four children can sit beside the adult for free. The CMA has stated the inquiry is at an early stage and has drawn no conclusions, but it could lead to enforcement action or changes to Ryanair’s seat‑reservation terms.