Ryanair has revised its family seating policy, allowing parents to sit next to their young children without paying a seat reservation fee, following an investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Under the new policy, adults traveling with children who opt not to pay for reserved seats will be informed of their free seat allocation after check-in. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said the airline would 'reluctantly adjust to this industry standard,' but insisted its previous policy fully complied with the law and provided families with 'certainty.'

The CMA had launched an investigation earlier this month to determine whether the old policy was unfair under consumer law. Previously, adults with children paid one reservation fee (typically £8 each way) and could select adjacent seats for up to four children for free.

Ryanair stated that the 'free parent seats' will now be available at the back of the aircraft, as front rows are usually reserved. The company does not expect the change to affect its revenue.

O'Leary criticized the CMA, claiming his policy was 'the most progressive and transparent in Europe' and that the regulator was forcing Ryanair to adopt a 'less transparent and less consumer-friendly' standard. A CMA spokesperson said the authority will 'test thoroughly' whether the new policy complies with the law and that its investigation continues.

Consumer rights group Which?, which had previously flagged Ryanair's seating policy, welcomed the end of 'unjustified charges' and said it will monitor the implementation over the coming months.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk