Story perspectives

UK to ban flight fees for parents under bill

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 6:33 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The UK government will ban fees for parents sitting with children on flights if the Civil Aviation Bill passes.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the charge a rip-off and part of his ‘everyday fixes’.
Current policies can charge up to £104 for a parent and child on a return flight.
Reforms will make child seating and name corrections free, ending £40 amendment charges.

History

Historical Context

Following the DOT’s 2011 Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections rule, the 2011 U.S. Airline Passenger Bill of Rights required fee disclosure and produced an $800,000 settlement. Europe’s EU261, in force since 2005, is being overhauled, with the Commission adopting a new proposal on 5 June 2025. Britain’s 2024 Civil Aviation Bill, championed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, aims to eliminate the £104 child-seat charge.

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Story summary

The UK government will ban fees for parents sitting with children on flights if the Civil Aviation Bill passes.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the charge a rip-off and part of his ‘everyday fixes’.
Current policies can charge up to £104 for a parent and child on a return flight.
Reforms will make child seating and name corrections free, ending £40 amendment charges.

1 / 2