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UK watchdog investigates Ryanair over fees to seat parents with children
The watchdog is examining whether Ryanair’s booking process hides unavoidable charges and puts parents at an unfair disadvantage, with fees around £8 each way.
- On Thursday, The CMA launched an investigation into Ryanair regarding fees parents must pay to sit with children aged 2–11, examining whether the "mandatory family seat" charge complies with consumer law.
- Specifically, the investigation relates to whether the contract term is "unfair" under consumer law, including whether the fee is "dripped" during booking to hide the total price from customers.
- This "mandatory family seat" typically costs around £8 each way, and The CMA is examining whether this forces parents to pay for the airline to meet its own child safety and disability obligations under aviation rules.
- Ryanair stated that its policy "fully complies with all relevant laws," adding that adults pay one reserved seat fee but can select seats beside them for up to four children free of charge.
- Hayley Fletcher, Senior Director of Consumer Protection, stated that businesses failing to show total prices upfront face potential action from The CMA, while Ryanair added it "looks forward to disproving these false CMA claims.
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Reservation of place next to minor children is mandatory and can cost between 4.50 euros and 13.50. The regulator investigates case and fine can cover up to 10% of the total invoice of the company.
·Portugal
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The largest low-cost in Europe is targeted by regulators for charging a fee for parents and children to travel together, a unique practice among major airlines.
·Portugal
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Ryanair, the largest low cost airline in the middle of a new investigation following the decision to apply a new fare for parents wishing to travel...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources59
Leaning Left12Leaning Right7Center25Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 27%
C 57%
R 16%
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