Airline passengers can attack at a variety of rates when booking recent flights, including luggage, bookings, and check-in fees. It is also not uncommon for airlines to charge additional fees for seats in certain areas. Passengers must pay more to be able to sit next to their loved ones and friends.
There is no law in the UK that requires airlines to sit together on flights, so some airlines may charge extras for privileges. However, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines say that airlines should always aim to have children under the age of 12 on the same line in a row or a row or aisle away from their parents or guardians.
The CAA explains: “Many airlines charge for seat selection. Carriers should aim to make all reasonable efforts that have reduced mobility with people with disabilities or people accompanying people, both in the same row or from adults with row or aisles. Most airlines have a process in place to ensure this happens, but we recommend contacting the airline to check their seating policy.”
Therefore, for those who are not traveling abroad with their children, they may miss out on whether they are sitting with their travel companions while flying.
Some airlines, whether family or not, often don't need to pay extra to reserve a seat, as they sit for someone to book with for free. However, if you want to guarantee you are sitting with your peers, it is worth recognizing the policies of a particular airline to see if it is worth paying for a seat when booking.
Listed below are Ryanair Flights that should recognize seat policies for British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair flights before booking.
British Airways
British Airways says that if passengers can see which seats are available 24 hours before their flight or when online check-in is open, they can choose their seats for free unless they book a basic ticket.
However, there is also the option of paying in advance to select a specific seat to ensure that passengers will sit together for the flight. The cost of choosing a seat depends on the type of seat and the cabin you are traveling.
The airline said: However, at this point, seat selection may be limited and seats may be split into different rows or aisles.
“We make sure that each child under 12 is sitting next to the adult on the reservation, but children over 12 years may be booked as adults in our system and may sit separately.”
EasyJet
EasyJet operates an assigned seating system, allowing passengers to select their seat at the time of booking or afterwards for an additional fee. Passengers who choose not to select their own seat will be automatically assigned upon check-in.
The airline said: “Our system attempts to assign seats close to other passengers when booking, but this is availability dependent and is not guaranteed.”
Jet2
JET2 assigns seats on a first-come, first-served basis if passengers do not select their seat online before check-in. You can select your seat when booking a holiday or up to 6 hours before your flight.
Airlines recommend pre-booking your seat at a price if you want to guarantee you are sitting together at a different price depending on the location and route. Those who have not made advance reservations will be assigned a seat by the airline.
Jet2 said: “If you don't book seats in advance, you will be assigned when they are first offered online or at the airport. Please note that seats across the aisle, or behind or in front of the line, are classified as “together.” If you want to change your seat once you book and pay, you will need to pay the relevant seat fee.
“As a family-friendly airline, we always strive to have children and infants under the age of 12 sit next to the adults associated with them. If this is not possible for any reason, we ensure that the child sits as close as possible and sits at a distance of less than one row. We recommend booking seats in advance in advance to ensure that the seating is needed for a travel party.”
Ryan Air
Ryanair offers the option to purchase a reserved seat or a free seat that is randomly assigned during check-in. Those who choose not to book a seat will be assigned one free ticket at check-in 24 to 2 hours before departure, which means they cannot sit with the travel party.
The airline said: If you choose not to reserve a seat, the seats will be randomly assigned free of charge upon check-in, but it is unlikely to be next to your travel companions.
“For safety reasons, children under the age of 12 must sit near the accompanying adults, and infants (comprehensive from 8 days to 23 months) must sit on the lap of the accompanying adults. It is mandatory for adults (except infants) to travel with children under the age of 12 to book a seat.
“Up to four children of all adults with the same reservation will receive a free booked seat. This ensures that parents of young children will sit together during flight. You can also check in your flight 60 days before departure. It is not mandatory for other adults and teens on the reservation to reserve a seat, but you can choose to do so if you want to sit with the rest of your family.”
