UK scraps charges to seat children with parents on flights, and for simple name errors
The new rules, announced by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, have now come into force.
The UK has announced that airlines will no longer be able to charge parents for securing seats next to their children on flights, and will not charge for correcting simple name errors. The new rules, which begin today (2 October), apply to children under 14 traveling with a parent or accompanying adult. Previously, a parent and child could be charged up to £104 (€122) for a return ticket to book seats together, and airlines charged up to £40 (€47) for correcting name errors.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated, "Parents should not have to feel the pinch just to sit next to their child on a flight, or for amending a simple booking error." The UK Transport Minister said that the move would give households more money and make flying safer for staff and passengers. The rules are in line with new EU air passenger regulations, which will also require airlines to offer free seat assignments and name correction for children and passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Airlines will no longer be allowed to charge for printed boarding passes. Ryanair, however, has criticized the UK's decision, stating that no such fees currently exist, as passengers have a 24-hour window to correct minor spelling mistakes.
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