Ryanair Investigated Over Charging Parents
- Ryanair investigated by UK's Competition and Markets Authority
- Airline charged parents to sit next to children
- Similar scrutiny in Italy led to ban on such fees
- Ryanair lost appeal against Italian ban in 2021
- European court investigating Ryanair seating policy
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into Ryanair's practice of charging parents to sit next to their children. Officials said the investigation will examine whether the airline's policy is unfair to consumers. Meanwhile, sources confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and a decision is expected soon. • Over 37 people have complained about the issue. • The airline has faced similar scrutiny in Italy, where a ban on such fees was upheld by the country's top administrative court.
Italian Ban on Fees
In 2021, Italy asked airlines operating in the country to eliminate seat surcharges. Ryanair hit back at ENAC, saying that its claims regarding the carrier's policies were incorrect. However, the Italian court upheld the ban, and Ryanair lost its appeal. 'We do not charge any fee for children under 12 traveling with an adult,' a Ryanair spokesperson said. Despite this, witnesses said they were still being charged to sit next to their children.
European Court Investigation
The European court is also investigating Ryanair's seating policy, following a complaint from a woman who was told to pay four euros to guarantee being able to sit next to her three-year-old child. Experts said the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the airline industry. Meanwhile, government sources said they are monitoring the situation closely and will take action if necessary. The investigation is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Historical Context
The issue of airline fees has been a contentious one for years. In 2017, Ryanair faced criticism for separating families who refused to pay to select their seats. The airline denied that it had changed its policy on seat allocation to 'punish' those who did not purchase a chosen seat. However, social media was awash with complaints from passengers who said they had been separated from their friends and family. On June 28, 2017, Hugh Morris reported on the issue in The Telegraph.
Human Impact
The issue has had a significant impact on families who travel with young children. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration and anger at being charged to sit next to their children. 'I thought they seated children with parents for free,' one passenger said. Others have reported being separated from their children, despite paying for seats together. The investigation is expected to bring some relief to these families, who have been affected by the airline's policy.