Ryanair has announced that it will scrap the controversial fee imposed on flights by parents who want to sit next to their children after an investigation was launched by the UK Competition Authority (CMA).
The company’s decision
The Irish low-cost company announced the about-face, however criticizing the decision of the United Kingdom antitrust authority.
“We will reluctantly comply with this industry standard because we don’t want to waste time explaining to ill-informed regulators how deeply they misunderstand what is in the best interests of UK and European consumers,” Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said in a statement, adding that it would impose “less transparent” rules.
What changes for families
Under the airline’s conditions, at least one parent was required to sit next to the minor, which entailed paying a so-called ‘mandatory family seat’, usually around eight pounds each way.
The National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) had led the way in this regard, having successfully opposed the payment of the fare on flights to and from Italy.