No extra costs on planes for the seats of accompanying minors and disabled people

The Council of State has confirmed the full legitimacy of the provision of the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), which prohibits airlines from applying extra costs for the reservation of adjacent seats to the companions of passengers under 12 years of age and people with disabilities, considering it a commercial practice in contrast with safety regulations.

 

The decision rejects the appeal filed by Ryanair against the ruling of the Lazio Regional Administrative Court of November 2022. The low-cost airline argued that the EU legislation does not impose any obligation of free travel for the proximity between the minor and the accompanying person, arguing that the tariff aspects should be left to the commercial discretion of the air carriers, in accordance with art. 22 of EC Regulation 1008/2008.

 

The Council of State, on the other hand, accepted the position of ENAC, according to which the safety guaranteed by the proximity between companion and passenger cannot be treated as an extra paid service. The ruling clearly states that the assignment of seats next to each other between the minor and the accompanying person is closely linked to the obligation to ensure safety, a responsibility that falls to the carrier and which cannot be subject to an additional cost.

 

 

By the editorial staff of Avion Tourism Magazine

Text source: Copyright © ENAC Press Office

Visual photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos