Ryanair has axed its family seating policy – but kids' fees still add up
News Source
•Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:00:41 GMT
📰 What Happened
Ryanair stopped charging parents extra to sit next to their children on flights. But families are still facing high costs when flying. In some cases, the fees for a baby on your lap can cost more than your own ticket. One example found nine separate charges for taking a baby on board. The editor of Which? Travel said it is incredibly complicated and frustrating to figure out the final price.
🔍 The Backstory
Budget airlines make money by charging for extras beyond the base ticket price. Fees for luggage, seat selection, and priority boarding add up fast. For families, children over two need their own seat, and the price varies a lot between airlines. Wizz Air charges a flat fee of about 32 euros for babies, which can be more than a cheap adult ticket. Consumer groups say airlines should show the full price upfront, not hide fees during booking.
🎯 Why It Matters
Flying with kids is already stressful. Hidden fees and confusing pricing make it worse and more expensive. Families deserve clear prices before they book.
Ryanair stopped charging parents extra to sit next to their children on flights. But families are still facing high costs when flying. In some cases, the fees for a baby on your lap can cost more than your own ticket. One example found nine separate charges for taking a baby on board. The editor of Which? Travel said it is incredibly complicated and frustrating to figure out the final price.
Budget airlines make money by charging for extras beyond the base ticket price. Fees for luggage, seat selection, and priority boarding add up fast. For families, children over two need their own seat, and the price varies a lot between airlines. Wizz Air charges a flat fee of about 32 euros for babies, which can be more than a cheap adult ticket. Consumer groups say airlines should show the full price upfront, not hide fees during booking.
Flying with kids is already stressful. Hidden fees and confusing pricing make it worse and more expensive. Families deserve clear prices before they book.