Ryanair investigated over charging parents to sit with children

Ryanair is being investigated by the UK's competition watchdog over charges it imposes on parents to sit next to their child on flights.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said Ryanair's terms and conditions state a parent must sit with their child if aged between two years and 11.

This is done through what Ryanair calls a "mandatory family seat" that the parent must pay for, which the watchdog said typically costs £8 each way.

The CMA is looking at whether the airline's "approach to seat reservations may mean parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‑related obligations as set out under aviation rules". Ryanair has been contacted for comment.