UK scraps child seating fees and name error charges

The UK government has scrapped child seating fees and name error charges on flights. Announced on 2 October, the reforms require airlines to seat children under 14 with a parent or accompanying adult without an extra fee and allow free correction of simple name mistakes on bookings.

These changes are part of a package designed to reduce extra costs and frustrations for passengers. They will be delivered following Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Bill and are intended to be in force before the start of the 2027 summer holidays. The policy aims to ease cost-of-living pressures on families.

Passengers gain freedom to fix booking errors without fees

Airlines will be required to allow free correction of simple name mistakes on flight bookings. This removes administrative charges that can currently cost passengers as much as £40 for minor errors. The Department for Transport stated passengers will be given greater flexibility to correct these simple name errors on bookings for free.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Parents should not have to feel the pinch just to sit next to their child on a flight, or for amending a simple booking error."

New system to tackle disruptive passengers

The government plans to work with airlines and trade unions on a new information-sharing system for persistently disruptive passengers. This initiative aims to make repeat offenders easier to spot, improving safety and enabling more informed decisions about extending bans.

The approach is designed to improve safety for both staff and passengers from the beginning of a journey. It will complement existing powers and airline policies rather than replace them. The Department for Transport says airlines recorded more than 1,000 serious disruptive passenger incidents during 2025.

Reforms tied to broader passenger rights agenda

The changes form part of the Civil Aviation Bill, which is progressing through Parliament. The Bill is intended to strengthen passenger protections and give the Civil Aviation Authority greater enforcement powers. Regulators and lawmakers in the UK and Europe are taking a tougher stance on air passenger rights.

UK and EU rules will line up more closely, giving passengers greater certainty. The overall aim is to make flying more predictable: fewer avoidable charges at booking, clearer protection when travelling with children, and stronger cooperation between airlines on serious misconduct. Most UK airlines already offer some protections against hidden costs.

The reforms will be delivered following Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Bill.