The low-cost airline says the initiative is designed to make family travel simpler while offering passengers a no-cost alternative to paid seat reservations.

Under the new arrangement, families travelling with children aged under 12 can choose seats located in specific rows towards the back of the cabin at no extra cost, subject to availability. Passengers who prefer seats elsewhere on the aircraft will still have the option of paying to reserve their preferred locations.

The change comes shortly after the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into Ryanair’s previous family seating policy. The regulator is examining whether aspects of the airline’s seating charges comply with consumer protection rules.

Ryanair has maintained that its policies fully comply with applicable legislation.

The airline says the updated seating option aims to ensure parents and children can remain together without incurring additional costs, while still preserving paid seat selection for passengers wishing to choose different locations.

Ryanair carries millions of families across Europe each year and has continued to expand its network, including routes serving Portugal.

The carrier says the revised seating policy forms part of its efforts to improve the travel experience for passengers while maintaining its low-fare business model.

The free family seating option is available on eligible flights where the designated rear cabin seats remain available at the time of booking.