Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, is under investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for charging parents to sit with their children. The CMA is examining whether the airline’s policy of charging for a “mandatory family seat” is unfair under consumer law.

Investigation Details

The investigation was launched after concerns were raised about the airline’s seating policy, which requires parents to pay for a specific seat to ensure they can sit with their children. The CMA believes this policy may be unfair and is investigating to determine whether Ryanair has broken the law.

Ryanair has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its seating policy “fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations.” The airline claims that adults traveling with children can select reserved seats beside them for free, but must pay for their own reserved seat.

Consumer Protection

The CMA is taking action to protect consumers from unfair practices. Hayley Fletcher, senior director of consumer protection at the CMA, said, “Lots of families save up to afford a summer holiday and we know that extra charges can quickly bump up the price. Our investigation will consider Ryanair’s approach to family seat reservations and how the cost is presented to consumers to determine whether they comply with consumer law.”

The investigation is part of a broader effort by the CMA to ease the impact of cost of living pressures in Britain. If Ryanair is found to have infringed consumer protection law, the CMA will have the power to fine it up to 10% of its global turnover.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.