Ryanair forced to change family seating rules: What it means for Brits flying this summer

Ryanair has just introduced changes to its family seating policy from Thursday, June 25. Now, adults travelling with children aged two to 11 now have clearer options to sit together without having to pay extra for the previous reservation fee on fresh bookings.

Ryanair family seating policy update explained

Before, Ryanair required at least one adult to pay around approximately €9.30 or £8 each way for what it termed a compulsory family seat. Up to four children then received free seats next to or near the paying adult. The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK opened an investigation into this arrangement earlier in June over consumer law concerns.

Families who now skip paid reservations can receive free seat allocation after check-in. Ryanair places these seats, often towards the rear, since front rows stay reserved. This system matches arrangements at most other European airlines. Existing bookings made before June 25 keep their original terms unchanged, as those were the conditions when booking.

Michael O’Leary’s reaction to regulator pressure

Chief executive Michael O’Leary described the change as a reluctant step towards industry norms. He maintained that the earlier policy fully complied with laws and gave families valued certainty about seating positions from the booking stage onwards.

O’Leary criticised the CMA for targeting a system he called the most progressive and transparent in Europe. He argued that regulators should encourage competition and lower fares instead of pushing Ryanair towards what he viewed as a less consumer-friendly model used by rivals simply because it represents the standard approach.

Practical steps for summer travellers on Ryanair

Families booking from June 26 can choose paid reserved seats for immediate position guarantees. They may also select the free allocation route with confirmation after check-in. Children will sit next to the accompanying adult under either option. I’m sure everyone will agree that this is the safest policy for all.

Early online check-in improves assignment prospects for those accepting free seats. Priority boarding services are still available for passengers who want earlier access to preferred areas. Ryanair expects the overall revenue impact to stay neutral following the adjustment.

Impact on British expats living in Spain

British residents across Spain who regularly fly Ryanair from Spanish airports, including Alicante, Malaga and Barcelona, for UK visits or European holidays can now escape this extra charge, easing costs on peak summer demand, making the removal of the typical €9.30 or £8 charge welcome news for many passengers with young children.

Expats can now get more flexibility on new reservations yet should consider seating location preferences. Free allocation often places groups further back in the cabin. Those wanting specific positions or front-row access, and therefore the fastest disembarking after landing, will benefit more from selecting paid reservations as before.

“Classic O’Leary. Fine, we’ll do it… but we’ll make it as miserable as possible and seat you at the back,” said a cynical @Zeeshyttt on X.

Also, Baulchtweet on X commented, ‘What a tone-deaf and ungracious response from O’Leary. It is blindingly obvious that parents should not have to pay to sit next to their kids.’

Ryanair approach compared to other carriers

Most European airlines already seat children next to parents automatically without extra fees or handle allocations automatically during booking. Ryanair previously distinguished itself through its paid guarantee model that many customers appreciated for certainty.

The tweak brings Ryanair closer to competitor practices while keeping paid reserved seats as an option. Consumer organisation Which? welcomed the development but plans to closely monitor it over the coming months to confirm that parents receive seats next to their children without charges. The CMA continues testing whether the revised policy meets legal standards.

Ryanair stated the change is in line with its family seating with broader European norms. Families planning summer travel benefit from reviewing options early to match their needs.