The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced new measures on family seating and spelling mistakes. Here's what the changes mean for easyJet customers.
What new airline rules has the UK government announced?
The Department for Transport has announced it plans to introduce measures for airlines flying from the UK. Under new proposals, airlines will be required to seat children aged 14 and under with an accompanying adult, up from the current age of 12. Airlines will also be prevented from charging passengers to correct spelling mistakes in names on bookings.
Does easyJet charge to correct a spelling mistake in a passenger's name?
No. easyJet has not charged customers to correct spelling mistakes in names for around 15 years. Other UK airlines also already allow minor name corrections free of charge.
Does easyJet make parents pay to be seated with their children?
No. easyJet has never forced parents and children to pay to sit together. easyJet fully adheres to the existing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules on seating children with their accompanying adult.
How does easyJet seat families together?
easyJet's seating system automatically works to seat families together in advance when they check in. Customers are encouraged to check in as early as possible, which is available from 30 days before departure. In the rare case that a family cannot be seated together in advance, easyJet cabin crew will always seat them together on board before the flight departs.
What will change for easyJet passengers under the new rules?
The only practical change for easyJet customers is the age limit for family seating, which is proposed to move from 12 to 14 in line with the new approach in the EU. easyJet will follow the new age limit once it comes into force. However, easyJet's seating algorithm already works to sit families together regardless of age, on a first-come, first-served basis.
What has easyJet said about the announcement?
"easyJet and other UK airlines already offer free changes for spelling mistakes and we have never forced parents and children to pay to sit together, always adhering to CAA safety rules. easyJet has always made travel easy and affordable, offering choice so customers don't have to pay for things they don't want or need. And three decades since we were founded we continue to provide value to consumers as, in real terms many of our fares are 50% cheaper than in 1995."
How satisfied are passengers with UK airlines?
According to Airlines UK, passenger satisfaction with UK airlines reached a record high of 88% in the latest CAA consumer tracker, higher than any other UK transport mode.
Are easyJet fares cheaper than they used to be?
Yes. In real terms, many easyJet fares are 50% cheaper than they were in 1995, the year easyJet was founded.
