The UK government is moving to introduce new regulations that would prevent airlines from charging parents extra fees to sit with their children on flights. Under the proposed rules, children aged under 14 would be required to be seated next to their parents or an accompanying adult at no additional cost. The changes are being pursued as part of a broader legislative effort to address consumer complaints about incremental fees that accumulate during holiday planning.
The Department for Transport noted that seating arrangements for a parent and child can currently cost up to £104 on a return journey. This issue has drawn criticism from consumer advocates, with the editor of Which? Travel stating that separating families solely for financial gain prioritizes airline profits over passenger welfare. The government aims to implement these changes before the start of summer holiday season next year.
The proposed regulations are being advanced through Parliament via the civil aviation bill, which grants ministers authority to establish passenger rights standards and define obligations for airlines and airports. Prime Minister Andy Burnham characterized the practice as a “rip-off” and indicated the measure is part of a broader initiative to eliminate minor fees that frustrate consumers. Additionally, the government announced plans to address name changes on flight bookings, allowing passengers to correct mistakes without incurring fees.
Ryanair, an Irish carrier that faced regulatory scrutiny over its family seating charges, previously required parents with children aged two to 11 to pay approximately £8 each way to reserve mandatory family seats. Following an investigation, the airline adjusted its policy to allow free seating for children while offering parents the option to pay for preferred seat selection. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is also pursuing additional measures to combat disruptive passenger behavior through an information-sharing system among carriers.
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