The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ryanair’s practice of requiring parents traveling with children aged 2-11 to pay for seat reservations. While seat selection is optional for other passengers, it’s compulsory for families with young children on Ryanair flights, a policy in place for over a decade. The CMA recently gained expanded consumer protection powers, enabling it to investigate and impose penalties on companies engaging in unfair practices. This is one of fifteen investigations initiated by the CMA across various sectors, including fitness and ticketing. Unlike Ryanair, other major UK airlines like British Airways and EasyJet encourage families to reserve seats but do not mandate it, attempting to seat families together without a fee. The CMA will determine if Ryanair’s mandatory fees, averaging around £8 per flight, violate consumer protection laws. Ryanair has dismissed the investigation as a “sham” and maintains compliance with all applicable regulations.