A British regulator has launched an investigation into Ryanair over fees charged to families with children
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ryanair over additional fees that may be charged to parents for the option to sit next to their children during a flight.
According to the regulator, the fee in question is typically around £8 per flight.
The CMA is examining whether this practice could be considered “unfair” under consumer protection laws.
The agency noted that Ryanair is the only major airline in the UK that charges such a fee on a regular basis. It is also known that the company does not charge this fee on flights to and from Italy following intervention by the local aviation regulator.
In response, Ryanair stated that its policy is fully compliant with current legislation, and that parents traveling with children pay only one seat reservation fee and can seat up to four children next to them for free within a single booking.
The company also called the CMA’s investigation “unfounded” and stated its intention to challenge the allegations.
The CMA announced that it will provide an update on the case within six months. If found in violation of the law, Ryanair could face a fine of up to 10% of the company’s global annual revenue.
This was reported by AFP.
Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair, stated on May 18 that it does not anticipate widespread flight cancellations during the summer season and remains confident in the stability of air service. The company noted that it does not expect a shortage of aviation fuel, despite market concerns over the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Prior to this, Spirit Airlines, the largest U.S. low-cost carrier, announced it was shutting down.
