Good news for families flying with Europe’s biggest budget airline. From 25 June 2026, Ryanair has changed its family seating rules so that parents travelling with young children can be seated together for free – without being forced to pay for reserved seats. The shift follows a UK competition watchdog investigation into the airline’s seat-reservation charges. Here is exactly what is changing and how to make it work for you.

What is changing with Ryanair family seating?

Until now, families with young children were effectively pushed into buying seat reservations: at least one parent or guardian had to purchase a paid “family seat” – typically around £8 (€9) each way – for children aged 2 to 11 on both the outbound and the return flight. Up to four children could be seated next to one accompanying adult, but only if that paid seat was bought.

Under the new policy, that mandatory charge is gone. As Ryanair explains, “adults travelling with children, who do not wish to select or pay for a reserved seat, will be advised of their (free of charge) seat allocation after they have checked in.” In other words, you can now skip the fee and still be seated next to your child.

How the free automatic seat assignment works

• Decline paid seats at booking if you do not want to choose specific seats.
• Check in as normal – ideally as early as possible once check-in opens.
• Ryanair then automatically allocates seats together, free of charge, and tells you where you are sitting after check-in.
• The change applies to children aged 2 to 11, the group previously subject to mandatory paid family seating.

The catch: you may end up at the back

There is one important trade-off. Ryanair notes that “families opting for this random allocation of seats beside each other are likely to be seated towards the rear of the aircraft cabin, as front rows tend to be reserved and sell out first.” So you will sit together for free – but probably near the back (some have joked, near the toilets), and you will not get to choose the exact seats. Families who want front rows or a specific spot can still pay to reserve them.

Why Ryanair made the change

The move came after the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened an investigation into whether Ryanair’s mandatory paid family-seat requirement complied with consumer law – and that investigation remains open despite the policy change. Ryanair made clear it is not happy about it. CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline would “reluctantly adjust to this industry standard, as we don’t want to waste time explaining to misguided regulators how badly they misunderstand what is in the best interests of UK and European consumers.”

The change also lands as the EU prepares broader passenger-friendly reforms – including a rule that children under 14 must be seated next to an accompanying adult at no extra charge as part of the wider 2027 EU air passenger rights overhaul. Ryanair, which has long defended its à la carte fees, has already seen its hand luggage policies tested in court.

Tips to make sure you sit together

• Check in the moment it opens to improve your free allocation.
• Have your digital boarding pass ready in the Ryanair app – the airline now only accepts digital passes.
• If sitting in a specific spot matters (e.g. very young kids, a window seat), weigh up paying to reserve.
• Watch your extras – Ryanair has repeatedly raised priority boarding and luggage fees, so budget for the whole package, not just the fare.

Frequently asked questions

When did Ryanair’s new family seating rule start?

The updated policy took effect on 25 June 2026.

Is Ryanair family seating now free?

Yes. Families with children aged 2 to 11 can be seated together at no charge if they decline paid seat selection; Ryanair allocates the seats automatically after check-in.

How much did Ryanair charge before?

The mandatory family seat typically cost around £8 (€9) per person, each way.

What is the downside of free family seating?

The free seats are allocated randomly and are likely to be towards the rear of the cabin, since front rows tend to be reserved and sell out first. You cannot pick the exact seats unless you pay.

Can I still pay to choose specific seats?

Yes. Paid seat reservations remain available for families who want front-row or specific seats.