Ryanair scraps family seating fee — what parents need to know in 2026
Ryanair has officially tweaked its family seat allocation policy after pressure from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The change came into effect in late June 2026 and means parents flying with children under 12 no longer have to pay a mandatory seat reservation fee just to sit with their kids.
If you are flying Ryanair from the UK, Ireland or anywhere in the EU this year, here is everything you need to know — plus how to avoid the other hidden costs that catch families out.
What exactly has changed?
Until last week, at least one adult travelling with up to four children had to pay a compulsory seat reservation fee (around £8 each way). Only after paying could the parent then select up to four free seats for the children.
Ryanair argued the system gave families more certainty. The CMA disagreed — Ryanair was the only airline operating in the UK with this setup, and the watchdog launched a formal investigation into whether it was fair.
The airline has now adjusted to the industry standard:
- Parents travelling with under-12s can have seats randomly allocated for free at check-in.
- Reserving specific seats in advance is still optional — at the same price as before.
- The change is described by Ryanair as revenue-neutral.
The catch (there is always one)
Free-allocated family seats are likely to land towards the rear of the plane — the front rows tend to be reserved long before check-in opens. So you will still sit together, but probably nowhere near the door.
For a 90-minute hop to Faro or Pisa that is no big deal. For a 4-hour flight to the Canaries with a toddler? Worth thinking about.
Michael O'Leary's reaction
CEO Michael O'Leary said the previous policy was "universally embraced by consumers as the most progressive and transparent in Europe" — and that Ryanair would "reluctantly adjust" to the industry standard. Translation: they are not happy about it, but they have done it.
What this means for family travel costs
Let us do quick maths on a typical Manchester → Malaga return for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children under 12):
| Item | Old policy | New policy |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory adult seat reservation | £16 (£8 × 2 legs) | £0 |
| Free child seats next to parent | Yes | Yes (random allocation) |
| Priority + 2nd cabin bag (per adult) | £30+ | £30+ (unchanged) |
| 20kg checked bag | £30+ | £30+ (unchanged) |
Saving: £16 per family return. Not life-changing, but enough for two airport coffees and a Toblerone.
How to actually fly Ryanair with kids in 2026 (without losing your mind)
1. Check in the moment the window opens
Check-in opens 24 hours before departure (or 60 hours if you have paid for a reserved seat). Do it the second it opens — earlier check-ins mean better random allocations.
2. Pack a proper underseat bag for each adult
Under the free hand-luggage rules, every passenger (adults and kids) gets one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front: 40 × 20 × 25 cm. Use it well and you can skip the £30+ priority upcharge entirely.
A proper 40×20×25 underseat backpack is the single biggest money-saver for budget family flying — see our compatibility cabin bag checker to pick the right one.
3. Bring entertainment that does not need WiFi
Download films, audiobooks and games before you get to the gate. Ryanair has no in-flight entertainment, no power sockets, and no free WiFi.
4. Pack a snack stash
Airline food is pricey and slow to arrive when crew are walking the aisle. A small bag of crisps, sandwiches, fruit pouches and a refillable water bottle (filled after security) will keep kids — and your wallet — happy.
5. Don't pay for priority if you don't need to
With the family seating fee gone, the only remaining reason to pay for priority boarding is if you want a second, larger cabin bag in the overhead. For most family weekend trips, two well-packed underseats + one checked bag works out cheaper.
Does this apply to easyJet, Wizz Air or BA?
No — those airlines already follow the random-allocation rule for families and were not part of the CMA investigation. This change brings Ryanair into line with the rest of Europe's low-cost market.
If you are picking a carrier, here is a fast comparison:
- Ryanair — cheapest base fare; random family seating now free.
- easyJet — random family seating free; bigger free hand luggage allowance.
- Wizz Air — strictest size enforcement (40×30×20) — measure your bag carefully.
- British Airways — family seating free; generally most flexible but pricier base fare.
FAQ
Q: When did Ryanair's family seating fee change take effect? A: Late June 2026, immediately after the CMA opened its investigation. Bookings made before that date with reserved family seats remain unchanged.
Q: Up to what age does the free family seating apply? A: Children under 12 at the date of travel. From 12 and up, seats are allocated as standard adult fares.
Q: Will my family definitely be seated together? A: Yes — Ryanair guarantees adults will be allocated seats next to their under-12s, but the row itself is random and usually near the rear of the aircraft.
Q: Can I still pay to choose specific seats? A: Yes. Standard seat reservation pricing (typically £4–£15 per leg depending on row) still applies if you want a guaranteed front-of-cabin or extra-legroom seat.
Flying soon with the family? Beat the Ryanair fee game from the start with a proper 40×20×25 underseat cabin bag — it is the one upgrade that pays for itself on every flight.