Ryanair faces UK regulator probe over mandatory family seat fees

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a formal investigation into Ryanair’s policy that requires parents travelling with children aged 2‑11 to purchase a mandatory “family seat” for an extra fee of about £8 per flight leg. The regulator will examine whether the charge, which is unique among major airlines, breaches consumer‑protection law, amounts to hidden‑price “dripping,” or unfairly shifts safety and disability obligations onto passengers. Ryanair argues the fee covers only one adult seat, with children’s seats provided free of charge, and has called for a reduction in UK air passenger duty. No decision on the case’s outcome has been announced yet.