The UK government has announced plans to ban airlines from charging parents extra to sit with children under 14 during flights.
What Changed?
Under the proposed rules, children under 14 would be entitled to sit with a parent or accompanying adult without paying a fee.
The Department for Transport says such charges could currently reach up to £104 on a return journey for one parent and one child.
What About Name Corrections?
The same legislation would also end fees for simple name corrections—such as spelling errors—on flight bookings.
These corrections could currently cost up to £40, according to the government. However, these are maximums, not standard fees.
When Will the Rules Take Effect?
The changes are not yet in force.
The Civil Aviation Bill is still being processed through Parliament. The Commons committee stage begins on 20 October 2026.
Final approval—known as Royal Assent—has not yet occurred. Therefore, no legal right to free family seating exists as of now.
When Could the Rules Start?
The government says the changes are intended to help families in time for next year’s summer holidays.
However, no official start date has been confirmed. Families should not assume the rules apply simply because they are booking a holiday for 2026 or later.
What Should Parents Do Now?
Until the new rules are in place, parents should check their airline’s current family seating policy.
- Many airlines already seat children under 12 close to their parent without charging extra.
- Seat selection fees may still apply for window seats or specific rows.
- Always verify passenger names before payment to avoid costly corrections.
How Much Could Families Save?
For some families, removing a £104 fee could mean an extra £104 in holiday budget.
Simple name corrections could save up to £40—but not all families will face such charges.
Some airlines already offer free family seating. Others may not charge at all, so savings vary.
Limitations and Important Notes
The government has not said that all name corrections will be free.
Transferring a ticket to a different passenger is not covered under the proposed changes.
These are specific protections for minor errors, not general booking adjustments.
What to Watch Next
Parents should monitor updates from the Department for Transport and GOV.UK.
The article will be updated when a firm start date is confirmed.
For more on saving money on travel, see Skint Dad’s full coverage.
For practical budget travel tips, explore our Skint Dad website.
These changes reflect a broader effort to reduce unnecessary costs for families. But until the legislation is passed, current booking policies remain unchanged.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Two parents sitting around in the evening whilst their child… by Wikimedia Commons contributor, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
