IrelandCan the airline charge me for selecting a seat?
Yes, airlines operating in Ireland can charge for seat selection, as the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936 does not prohibit such fees.
What the Law Says
Irish law does not restrict airlines from charging passengers for optional services like seat selection. The main statute governing air transport in Ireland is the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936, but it focuses on licensing, safety, and operational regulation — not pricing or consumer charges.
The Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936 establishes the legal framework for aviation in Ireland, including licensing of airlines and regulation of air navigation. However, it contains no provisions about passenger pricing, ticket conditions, or fees for optional services such as seat selection.
Since the Act does not address ancillary charges — like those for preferred seating, baggage, or meals — airlines are free to set such fees, provided they comply with broader EU and Irish consumer protection rules (e.g., transparency under the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and the Consumer Protection Act 2007).
Importantly, the Act’s scope is limited to safety, licensing, and air traffic control — not commercial terms between airlines and passengers.
Statutory Text—
— Air Navigation and Transport Act 1936, s. 5
What to Do
Check the airline’s website or booking page for clear disclosure of seat selection fees before completing your purchase.
Review your booking confirmation to ensure any seat fee charged matches what was advertised.
If you believe a fee was hidden or misrepresented, contact the airline first, then escalate to the Commission for Aviation Regulation (now part of the Road Safety Authority) or the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.