The UK government has announced plans to ban airlines from charging parents additional fees to be seated with children under the age of 14 during flights. Under the proposed regulations, airlines would be required to provide these seating arrangements at no extra cost. The changes are part of broader efforts to eliminate what government officials characterize as incremental charges that accumulate during family holiday planning.
Ministry officials are working to implement these changes before the start of next year’s summer holiday period. The initiative also includes requirements that airlines allow passengers to correct simple mistakes on flight bookings, such as name errors, without incurring correction fees. According to the Department for Transport, families currently can spend up to £104 on a return journey to secure seats together.
These proposed rules are being advanced through the civil aviation (consumer protection and regulatory reform) bill, which is currently under parliamentary consideration. The legislation would grant government ministers the authority to establish passenger rights and define the responsibilities of airlines and airports. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to reduce “little charges that add up” for holiday-makers.
The announcement follows action taken by Ryanair earlier in the year, when the airline modified its family seating policy following a regulatory investigation. Previously, Ryanair charged parents with children aged two to eleven mandatory fees, typically around £8 each way, to secure family seating. Under the updated policy, parents can still pay to reserve specific seats while children are allocated nearby positions at no cost.
Separately, the transport secretary has indicated the government is also addressing passenger conduct concerns. Airlines reported over 1,000 serious disruptive incidents in 2025, including incidents resulting in flight diversions. A new information-sharing system is being developed with airlines and trade unions to help identify and manage persistently disruptive passengers.
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