Ryanair, long-known for piling on fees, and more recently for a ‘charm offensive’ intended to improve its image, has taken a new step on its old path. When families fly together, at least one adult must sit with children under 12, and must pay for the required privilege.
Ryanair doesn’t offer free seat selection in advance, but it’s available for a fee, which can range from €8 to €26, depending on where in the plane. And it doesn’t guarantee families will be seated together…unless they buy those reserved seats, although it generally tries to keep them together.
Starting September 1, at least one adult must pay the fee and will be seated with the under-12s; other family members won’t necessarily be seated near them unless more seats are reserved.
Upset about it? Ryanair doesn’t think you should be. Ryanair’s chief marketing officer points out that this year’s average airfare is about 10% lower than last year. He told media that “That’s a €4 saving on every flight and these changes will allow parents to save another €4 for every one of their children travelling together.”
