Ryanair says it reluctantly allows parents to sit with children for free.

Under the previous policy, Ryanair said adults traveling with children could choose up to four seats next to them for free, paying a fixed seat charge.

This typically resulted in a charge of £8 each way. The CMA said when it launched its investigation earlier this month.

At the time, the airline said: “Approaching seat reservations, parents are being charged by the airline in accordance with the airline’s child safety and disability aviation laws – and will investigate whether this practice complies with consumer law.”

It added that other airlines have offered to place children next to a parent or guardian free of charge, or to share seats together when booking a free seat.

Ryanair said the policy gave families certainty about where they would be seated when booking, which they valued.

“Free parent seats” are now available at the back of the plane, he said, as the front rows are reserved.

It said a “minor policy change” took effect on Thursday. He does not expect the change to impact Ryanair’s earnings.

O’Leary said at CMA that it is “the most progressive and transparent in Europe,” targeting its consumer-friendly family seating policy.

“Instead of promoting competition and lower prices to consumers, the CMA is on a mission to force Ryanair to adopt the opaque and user-unfriendly family seating policy practiced by most airlines – simply because it’s the industry standard,” he said.