Airline seating rules: Should parents pay to with their children?
Today (2 October 2026) I was on Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 discussing Government plans to stop airlines charging to sit children under the age of 14 years next to an accompanying adult.
I am regularly in the media to discuss travel and other consumer issues, such as retail, motor, insurance etc. See consumer rights expert media appearances and commentary.
Many airlines introduced paying for seat reservations on flights some years ago. Airlines say this is because some customers want to ensure that they are near the loo, by a window or in the middle of the plane if they get travel sick. Of course, airlines now charge for “extra legroom” seats, too! Remember when you could get them for free just by asking at the desk?!
EU Regulation (EU) 965/2012 on sitting children with parent or accompanying adult
This regulation states that if a child travels with an accompanying adult in the same class of cabin, the child should be seated in the same seat row segment as the accompanying adult. Where this is not possible, the child should be seated no more than one seat row or aisle away.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for aviation rules and regulations in Europe and their document known as Annex IV (PART-OPS) says:
“The operator shall establish procedures to ensure that passengers are seated where, in the event that an emergency evacuation is required, they are able to assist and not hinder evacuation of the aircraft.”
CAA view
On 11 June 2026 the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched an investigation into Ryanair over charging parents to sit with children. It is looking at whether the contract terms are unfair in consumer law.
Ryanair is challenging the legality of the CMA’s action through a judicial review. However, the court rejected Ryanair’s request to suspend some obligations and prevent enforcement action while the challenge proceeds. There is a hearing on the 24-26 November 2026 to consider permission to bring and the actual challenge.
Ryanair complained that the CMA refused to pause its compliance deadline but the Procedural Complaints Adjudicator ruled that Ryanair had not followed the required process and was already going through the courts and the complaint fell outside of its remit in in any case.
Italy took action against Ryanair about charging for seating children and people with disabilities. Ryanair loses appeal against Italian ban on fees hitting people accompanying children.
Civil Aviation Authority guidance on airline seating
When I wrote about this 8 years ago, the CAA stated it had published guidance material for UK airlines explaining how to comply with the above rule, part of which says that family groups should be seated together. That was 2018 and you will see that the guidance has not changed since then.
The CAA told me at the time:
The seating of children close by their parents or guardians should be the aim of airline seat allocation procedures for family groups and large parties of children. Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults. This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”
The CAA said it receives very few complaints relating to seating. A CAA spokesperson said:
On the whole we are satisfied that UK airlines comply with their obligations to seat family groups together. It is important though that passengers are made aware of rights during the booking process. Our advice to passengers is clear, family groups do not have to pay for reserved seating in order to guarantee they sit together. Airlines are obliged to sit children in the same seat row as an accompanying adult during the boarding process. Where that is not possible, (e.g. Boeing 737s or Airbus 320s, where cabins are configured into rows of three seats either side of the single aisle and more than three people are travelling together) the child should be no more than one seat row away under EU rules. The CAA works closely with UK airlines to ensure they understand this obligation.”
Changes to names on tickets
Currently you can make changes of up to 3 characters for free on your tickets and anything more many airlines will charge for. The Government is seeking to abolish charges for all minor tweaks and changes.
Other issues with airlines
Securing a refund for beleaguered Ryanair passenger who was overcharged outlines the story of Catherine Warrilow who was incorrectly charged unfairly for a cabin bag that was not oversized. See the link for the story, how to prevent being charged for an oversized bag and what to do if you have been incorrectly charged, including a template letter.
Delayed and cancelled flights
What to do when your flight is delayed – the full guide all you need for complaining, your rights, what to do and how to do it. This includes what to do if you have been told you are not entitled to compensation as well as your rights even if the airline is not at fault.
Further help for complaining effectively about airlines and holidays
Travel consumer rights expert: holiday, flight & travel advice various posts on saving money and your rights regarding holidays and flights.
Top 20 Tips on how to complain effectively
Contact the CEO to complain. You can get the address from ceoemail.com – The CEO may not respond personally but it does get your complaint into the executive customer service team.
How to complain to get refunds and more
Top 20 Tips on how to complain effectively.
For more guidance on complaining effectively and understanding your rights, see the consumer guide GET THE BOOK! How To Complain: The ESSENTIAL Consumer Guide to Getting REFUNDS, Redress and RESULTS!
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