Families could save up to £104 on a return flight under plans to stop airlines charging for children under 14 to sit beside a parent or accompanying adult.
The changes, announced on 2 October 2026, are designed to remove some of the smaller costs that can quickly inflate the price of a family holiday. Parents should no longer feel pressured to pay extra simply to sit with their children.
Free corrections and tougher action on disruptive passengers
Airlines will also have to let passengers correct simple name mistakes on bookings without charge. At present, minor spelling errors or administrative changes can attract fees of up to £40.
The reforms are expected to apply consistently across airlines operating in the UK, following Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Bill. The government says it is working with airlines and trade unions on implementation.
A separate information-sharing system is also being developed to help airlines identify passengers who repeatedly cause serious disruption. More than 1,000 serious incidents were logged by airlines in 2025, including a mid-air brawl that led to a flight being diverted.
The system should help carriers decide whether to extend bans on disruptive passengers, with the aim of improving safety for passengers and aviation staff.
Why it matters for Britain
The measures could reduce holiday costs for families and remove unexpected charges from air travel. They should also give passengers more consistent protection and help airlines respond to repeated disruptive behaviour.
