Ryanair faces UK competition probe over mandatory family seat fees

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into Ryanair's policy requiring families to pay a mandatory fee for a seat next to a child aged 2‑11. The charge, averaging about £8 (≈ €9.5) per flight, is applied even when the airline already offers a free seat for the child, and varies between €4.5 and €13.5.

The CMA will assess whether the practice breaches consumer‑protection law by constituting “drip pricing” – presenting a low headline price that later adds mandatory fees – and whether it creates an unfair disadvantage for passengers. Ryanair has denied the allegations, saying the policy complies with all regulations and helps families travel more cheaply. The regulator noted that Ryanair is the only major carrier operating from the United Kingdom that imposes such a family‑seat charge, and the inquiry is still in its early stages.