UK Government proposes airline fee reforms and tougher measures on disruptive passengers

The UK Government has outlined a series of proposed aviation reforms aimed at strengthening passenger protections while giving airlines new tools to address disruptive behaviour.

Announced on 2 October, the proposals would require airlines to seat children under 14 with a parent or accompanying adult at no additional cost, provide greater flexibility for correcting booking mistakes and see improved information-sharing on persistently disruptive passengers.

The measures form part of a broader programme of aviation reform being progressed alongside the Civil Aviation Bill, which is currently moving through Parliament.

Airlines could be required to provide free family seating

Under the plans, carriers operating in the UK would no longer be able to charge families extra to ensure young children are seated alongside a parent or accompanying adult.

The government says some families currently face seat-selection costs of more than £100 on a return journey when attempting to guarantee adjacent seating. Ministers argue the change will create greater consistency across the sector and remove an additional cost from family travel.

The proposal applies specifically to children under 14 travelling with an accompanying adult. Airlines would still be permitted to charge for other optional seating selections and premium seat choices.

Booking error charges also targeted

The government is also seeking to curb fees associated with straightforward booking corrections.

Under the proposed reforms, passengers would gain greater protection when correcting minor errors, such as spelling mistakes made during the booking process. Ministers say travellers can currently face charges of up to £40 for relatively simple amendments.

The intention is to distinguish between genuine corrections and ticket transfers.

New approach to repeat disruptive passengers

The government has announced plans to work with airlines and trade unions on a framework allowing carriers to share information relating to serious repeat offenders.

The Department for Transport says more than 1,000 serious disruptive passenger incidents were recorded by UK airlines during 2025.

Under the proposals, airlines would be able to access relevant information on people with a history of serious misconduct, helping airlines decide whether to enforce restrictions or extended bans.

The government says the initiative is intended to complement existing airline policies and enforcement measures rather than replace them.

Part of wider aviation reform

The latest proposals sit alongside the government’s wider aviation agenda, including the Civil Aviation Bill, which would strengthen passenger rights and expand enforcement powers for the Civil Aviation Authority.

Together, the measures signal a greater regulatory focus on passenger protection, transparency and operational safety across the UK aviation sector.