Ryanair warning to anyone who doesn't pay to reserve a seat with one exception
If sitting next to your partner, friends or family on a plane is important then you'll need to pay for the privilege. It's not uncommon for airlines - particularly budget carriers - to force passengers to pay additional fees for seat selection.
While not a mandatory fee, failing to opt in for seat selection means you are subject to being planted next to a complete stranger. Ryanair confirms that random selection means you are unlikely to be seated beside your travel companions or family members.
That's why the airline recommends reserving your seat when booking your flight or when checking in to ensure you sit with the rest of your party. That said, Ryanair has a Family Seat Policy to ensure children are accompanied by adults onboard.
According to Ryanair's official website, children under the age of 12 must sit beside an accompanying adult for safety reasons. The policy also requires that infants (aged eight days to 23 months inclusive) sit on an accompanying adult's lap. For this reason, it is mandatory for an adult travelling with children under 12 (excl. infants) to reserve a seat.
To accommodate this, the airline grants a reserved seat free of charge for a maximum of four children for every one adult on the same booking. This ensures parents of young children sit together during the flight.
The policy also enables families to check-in 60 days before departure. It is not mandatory for any other adults or teenagers in the booking to reserve a seat.
The budget airline easyJet also attempts to seat families together and grants them priority during boarding. This is not guaranteed however, so easyJet encourages families to check in as early as possible to ensure parents/guardians and children are close together.
If you are not travelling with young children but still want to avoid the extra cost of seat selection, there are a few airlines that offer complementary seat selection with economy fares.
British Airways passengers who have bought Fully Flexible fares can choose their seat for free from 24 hours before departure. Though Basic fare ticketholders will need to pay for seat selection.
Qatar Airways offers complimentary standard seat selection for Economy Comfort or Economy Convenience fares. While seat selection is available to Japan Airways passengers travelling on Premium Economy Class or Economy Class.
Keep in mind though that complementary seat selection often do not include coveted seats near exit rows that provide extra legroom. You may need to pay extra for this premium tier of seats.
As well, not all passengers are eligible to sit in exit rows as these are reserved for able-bodied passengers that are able and willing to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency.
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