The British antitrust regulator has launched an investigation into the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair. Authorities are examining whether the airline legally charges parents an additional fee for the opportunity to sit next to their children during the flight.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining Ryanair's practice whereby adult passengers traveling with children may face additional costs when selecting seats in the aircraft cabin.
The investigation was prompted by a charge of around £8 per flight. According to the regulator, such a practice may contravene consumer protection laws and be considered a potentially unfair contract term.
Under the airline's rules, children aged between two and eleven must sit with at least one parent or accompanying adult. The CMA notes that Ryanair, to its knowledge, is the only major airline operating flights from the UK that charges extra in such cases.
The regulator is also paying particular attention to the issue of so-called drip pricing — a practice where mandatory costs become visible to the customer only at later stages of the booking process. In the UK, companies are required to show the full cost of a service upfront, including all mandatory fees, so that consumers can objectively compare offers from different carriers.
Ryanair rejects the accusations. Representatives of the airline stated that the policy of seating families is fully compliant with existing regulations and allows passengers to save money.
According to the carrier, the company does not charge a separate fee specifically for seating a child next to their parents. Ryanair explains that adults wishing to select specific seats pay a standard booking fee, while children can be provided with adjacent seats for free — up to four children in one booking.
The British regulator emphasizes that the investigation is in its early stages. No conclusions have been made regarding the presence of violations. After reviewing all circumstances, the CMA may either take action against the airline or close the case if there are no grounds for further action.
The investigation into Ryanair could set an important precedent for the entire aviation industry. If British authorities find the carrier's practice to violate consumer rights, the rules for booking seats for families with children may change not only for Ryanair but also for other airlines.
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