A new law will come into effect this Friday, prohibiting all UK airlines from charging parents for seating arrangements that keep them close to their children. Announced by Transport Secretary Andy Burnham, the regulation aims to eliminate extra charges that have frustrated passengers.
Under the new rule, passengers under 14 must be seated beside their parents or an accompanying adult at no additional cost. In addition, airlines will be banned from charging fees for minor corrections to passenger names on flight bookings.
Mr Burnham stated that charging parents for such seating arrangements was “a rip-off, plain and simple” and called for the removal of unnecessary fees that burden travellers. He emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing everyday issues that affect people’s travel experience and finances.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added that scrapping these charges will help families manage their travel expenses more easily and contribute to smoother journeys for all passengers. She highlighted the importance of sensible reforms to enhance safety and protect passengers from unfair costs across all airlines.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, welcomed the government’s decisive action. He criticised airlines that had separated families by imposing fees and praised the move as an effective end to a long-standing consumer grievance. He also supported the increased flexibility for correcting booking details without penalty, viewing it as a safeguard for consumers against unnecessary expenses.