Ryanair has announced an extension of its reserved seating service, moving from six to eight rows on all aircraft with the addition of rows 32 and 33.

The move will allow up to 45 passengers per flight to pre-book their preferred seats on eight reserved rows.

Ryanair’s optional reserved seating service, which includes priority boarding, allows passengers to reserve seats in the front or rear of the aircraft (for a quick getaway on arrival) and on over-wing rows (for greater legroom) and also offers families and groups of passengers the chance to sit together on four other rows.

The reserved seating service costs £10 each way (£15 on longer routes e.g. to/from Canary Islands) and is available to book on Ryanair.com both at the time of flight booking and when checking-in online.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said: “Since November, Ryanair passengers have been able to reserve their preferred seats across six rows – at the front of the aircraft for a prompt exit on arrival, at over-wing exits for extra legroom, and on rows five and 15 – which has proven extremely popular, especially with families, groups and those on business travel.

“Ryanair is pleased to extend our reserved seat service to an additional two rows, 32 and 33, which are bookable now for travel on all routes, meaning even greater choice for all Ryanair passengers.”

Rival carrier easyJet announced allocated seating on all aircraft in November last year.