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Hayley Fletcher, the CMA’s senior director of consumer protection, explains why the CMA is concerned about Ryanair’s pricing:
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.
Ryanair’s terms and conditions require at least one parent to sit with their children aged 2-11 when they fly. This is done through what Ryanair calls a “mandatory family seat”, which the parent must pay for in order to secure a seat next to them for their child.
For all other passengers, reserving a seat is optional. This fee applies to both outbound and return flights and typically costs around £8 each way. CMA evidence suggests this approach to seating is used across the majority of Ryanair’s UK routes.
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