Ryanair has introduced new booking rules for families with children: how to book seats now

Ryanair has changed its seat reservation policy for passengers traveling with children. The airline will no longer require a mandatory surcharge for parents to sit next to their child, but the new terms have some nuances. Learn more about who is affected by the changes, how automatic seat assignment will work now, and in which cases you will still have to pay for seat selection

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One of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, Ryanair, has announced a change to its seating policy for passengers traveling with children. From now on, families will be able to get seats together without having to pay a booking fee if they agree to automatic seat assignment after checking in for their flight.

The company made this decision after a British regulator launched an investigation into its previous policy on paid family seating. The new policy has already taken effect and applies to all new bookings under the relevant terms and conditions. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what has changed, who will be affected by the new rules, and what to look out for when booking tickets.

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What rules has Ryanair introduced?

The new rules took effect on June 25, 2026, and apply to passengers traveling with children aged 2 to 11. From now on, families can opt out of paid seat selection and still be seated next to one another.

Key changes:

1. If a family does not reserve seats in advance, the system will automatically assign them for free after online check-in;

2. With automatic seat assignment, children will be seated next to their accompanying adult, avoiding additional costs;

3. These seats will most likely be in the rear of the cabin, as seats in the front rows are usually the first to sell out;

4. If passengers wish to select specific seats themselves—by the window, in the aisle, in the front rows, or near emergency exits (provided they are eligible to occupy such seats)—this service will continue to be subject to a fee;

5. Automatic free seat assignment applies only to seats next to a child. Other adults or teenagers traveling on the same booking may be assigned separate seats.

In effect, Ryanair has switched to a model that most European airlines have long used: passengers can sit with their child for free, but selecting a specific seat remains an additional paid service.

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Why did Ryanair change its policy?

Ryanair’s decision was not accidental. In early June 2026, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a formal investigation into the airline’s practice of charging parents to sit next to their children.

The regulator noted that Ryanair’s rules required families to pay for a so-called “mandatory family seat.” Typically, this fee amounted to about £8 (approximately €9–10) per one-way flight. According to the CMA, this could mean that passengers were effectively paying for the airline to fulfill its own obligations regarding the safety of children and people with disabilities. The authority is also examining whether this surcharge was displayed transparently enough during the booking process.

In response, Ryanair stated that its long-standing policy was fully compliant with current legislation. However, the company did agree to change the rules, calling it a “minor policy adjustment” and emphasizing that the new approach would simply bring it in line with the practices of most other European airlines.

At the same time, CEO Michael O’Leary sharply criticized the regulator’s decision, stating that the changes are being implemented “reluctantly” and will not bring any tangible benefit to most passengers.

In a previous article, we reported that Ryanair is launching new routes from Warsaw and Bratislava.

What does this mean for travelers?

For most families, the new rules will provide an opportunity to reduce travel costs. Whereas previously at least one parent was required to pay for a “mandatory family seat,” this surcharge is no longer necessary. After online check-in, the system will automatically assign seats next to the child at no cost, although their exact locations will not be known until check-in.

At the same time, those who want a guaranteed window seat, aisle seat, or seat in the front of the plane will still have to purchase the seat selection service. Ryanair also warns that families who take advantage of the free automatic seating assignment are most likely to be assigned seats in the rear of the cabin, as the most popular rows are usually booked first.

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When planning a Ryanair flight, there are a few more details to keep in mind:

- Free seat assignment is guaranteed only for an adult accompanying a child aged 2 to 11;

- Other adults or teenagers listed on the same reservation may be assigned separate seats;

- If you need specific seats for your entire group, it’s best to reserve them right when you purchase your tickets;

- Passengers without paid seat selection can check in online 24–2 hours before departure, after which the system will automatically assign seats.

Passengers with paid seats can check in much earlier—up to 60 days before the flight.

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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