UK Airlines Face Ban on Charging Parents to Sit With Children 2026

UK airlines will be banned from charging parents extra to sit with their children under new government plans aimed at eliminating hidden fees. The proposed rule would require airlines to seat passengers aged under 14 next to their parents or an accompanying adult free of charge. Additionally, passengers will no longer need to pay to correct a simple name mistake on their flight booking.

New Rules to End Hidden Airline Charges

The government intends to introduce these changes before the start of next year's summer holidays. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the rule changes are part of a crackdown on the "little charges that add up" when families plan their holidays. MPs are currently debating a new set of rules for travel companies as the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill makes its way through Parliament.

The proposed law will give ministers flexible power to set out passenger rights and the duties of airlines and airports. Burnham said: "Charging parents just to sit with their children is a rip-off, plain and simple. And being hit with a hefty fee for a simple spelling mistake on a booking form isn't right either. People are fed up with these little charges that add up, so I'm putting a stop to them."

What This Means for Families

For families, the new rules could mean significant savings and less stress when flying. Currently, many airlines charge extra to select seats together, forcing parents to pay up to £30 per person per flight. Under the new rules, children under 14 must be seated next to a parent or guardian at no additional cost. This change is expected to save families hundreds of pounds on their annual holidays.

Furthermore, the ability to correct a name mistake without a fee will prevent unnecessary costs and administrative headaches. Airlines often charge upwards of £50 to change a name on a booking, which can be a significant burden for families who make a simple typo.

How Airlines Currently Compare

The table below shows the current seating fees for children across major UK airlines (based on typical charges for a short-haul return flight).

These fees can add up quickly for a family of four, potentially adding over £200 to the cost of a return trip. The new regulations aim to eliminate these charges for children under 14.

Key Takeaways

• No more seating fees for children under 14: Airlines must seat children next to a parent or guardian free of charge.
• Free name corrections: Passengers can fix spelling mistakes on bookings without paying a fee.
• Effective before summer holidays: The government aims to implement changes before next year's peak travel season.
• Part of broader consumer protection: The Civil Aviation Bill gives ministers power to set passenger rights.

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