Ryanair, Europe’s biggest airline, is under investigation by the UK’s competition watchdog over charges it imposes on families with young children to sit together. Paying for a specific seat is optional on Ryanair flights, unless travelling with a child aged between two and 11 who must be accompanied by at least one parent.

Investigation Details

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said Thursday that it’s investigating ‘suspected infringements of consumer law in relation to Ryanair’s use of a potentially unfair mandatory fee.’ Ryanair called the investigation ‘bogus’ and said that its seating policy ‘fully complies with all relevant laws.’ The CMA believes the policy ‘is used across the majority of Ryanair’s UK routes.’

The investigation has been launched to determine whether the practice is ‘unfair’ under consumer law. The CMA said it ‘understands’ that Ryanair is the only one flying out of the UK to ‘impose’ such a fee, according to the press release. A Ryanair spokesperson described the action as a ‘bogus investigation’ and stated that the airline’s seating policy ‘fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations.’

The CMA said the investigation had only just begun and that no conclusion had been reached as to whether Ryanair has broken the law. It expects to report back within six months. The investigation is part of a broader intention by the CMA to ease the impact of cost of living pressures in Britain.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.