UK families are set to save on holiday costs as the government moves to ban “rip-off” airline fees that force parents to pay extra to sit with their children. The reforms, part of a wider overhaul of aviation laws, will also allow passengers to correct minor booking errors without facing administrative charges.
Under the new proposals, airlines operating in the UK will be required to seat children under the age of 14 with an accompanying adult free of charge. According to Department for Transport (DfT) figures, the cost of selecting seats to ensure a parent and child sit together can currently reach £104 for a return journey.
The changes are being introduced through the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. The government has stated its intention to have the new rules in place before the start of the 2027 summer holiday season.
Flexible bookings and name corrections
In addition to seating reforms, the Bill aims to tackle high administrative fees for simple clerical mistakes. Passengers will be given greater flexibility to correct minor name errors on bookings for free, removing “penalty” charges that can currently reach £40 per ticket.
While the new rules will mandate free seating for families with children under 14, airlines will still be permitted to charge for premium seat choices, such as those with extra legroom, or other optional selections for adult passengers.
Crackdown on disruptive passengers
The legislative package also includes measures to improve safety and security in the air. The government is working with airlines and trade unions to develop a new information-sharing system designed to track “persistently disruptive” passengers.
Data shows that more than 1,000 serious disruptive passenger incidents were logged by airlines in 2025. The proposed system would allow carriers to share data on individuals who pose a repeated risk to flight safety or the comfort of other passengers.
Industry bodies have welcomed the clarity provided by the legislative process. More details on the proposed airline fee reforms and the Bill’s progress are expected as it moves through the committee stage, which is scheduled for 20 October 2026.
Travellers are advised that these changes are not yet active. Until the Bill receives Royal Assent and the subsequent regulations are implemented, current airline charging structures remain in place. The government’s target for full implementation remains ahead of the 2027 summer peak.