Airline that operates at Stansted announces policy change after investigation

Ryanair’s family seating policy has been altered after an investigation by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) involving parents travelling with children. The airline, operating flights from London Stansted, previously required adults with children aged 2 to 11 to pay a reservation fee of around £8 each way to sit together. Under the updated rules, free parent seats will be available at the rear of the aircraft, with children seated alongside them at no additional cost. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the CMA’s approach, arguing the change could reduce transparency for families by making seating confirmed after check-in. Which? Travel editor Rory Boland welcomed the outcome, saying charging parents to sit next to children as young as three was unfair. Ryanair said the update is revenue-neutral, while the CMA confirmed the investigation is ongoing.