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Ryanair Drops Family Seat Fees After CMA Probe

6/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ryanair announced 25 June 2026 that those with children won’t be charged to sit together.
Families who do not pre-select seats will get free parent seats in the rear.
The move follows a Competition and Markets Authority probe launched in June into the family-seat fee.
Michael O’Leary called the adjustment an alignment with standards and said it will be revenue-neutral.
Ryanair said the policy will align with EU carriers.

History

Historical Context

After the EU enacted Regulation 261/2004, which took effect on 17 February 2005 and set compensation of €250-€600 for delays over three hours, the European Commission revived a revision in 2024, adopting a new proposal on 5 June 2025. In June 2026, CMA scrutiny prompted Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary to offer free family seats, echoing the regulation’s transparency drive.

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Story summary

Ryanair announced 25 June 2026 that those with children won’t be charged to sit together.
Families who do not pre-select seats will get free parent seats in the rear.
The move follows a Competition and Markets Authority probe launched in June into the family-seat fee.
Michael O’Leary called the adjustment an alignment with standards and said it will be revenue-neutral.
Ryanair said the policy will align with EU carriers.

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