UK to ban airline fees for parents sitting with children under 14

Based on · First reported 3 Oct 2026

The UK government plans to prohibit airlines from charging parents extra to sit with their children on flights, requiring children under 14 to be seated next to a parent or accompanying adult at no cost.
The rule change, part of the Civil Aviation Bill moving through Parliament, also removes fees for correcting name errors on bookings and allows airlines to ban repeat troublemakers, with implementation expected before the next summer holiday season.

Why it matters

Airlines will need to adjust pricing and seat allocation policies, while families gain a clearer, cost‑free seating entitlement.