Ryanair Revises Family Seating Policy, Allowing Free Seats for Children Under 12

Ryanair has changed its seating rules so that parents travelling with children under 12 can sit together without paying a fee. The airline previously charged a mandatory family seat fee of £4.50 to £13.50 per child, a practice that was examined by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The new policy, which took effect for bookings made from the previous Thursday, places these family seats toward the rear of the aircraft and may only be assigned after check‑in.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary said the airline is "reluctantly" adjusting to an industry standard, maintaining that the earlier policy complied with legal requirements. The airline also reiterated its emergency‑exit row rules, stating that only non‑disabled adults aged 16 or older who can assist the crew may occupy those seats.