Following a landmark €150 million fine imposed on four budget airlines, consumers are celebrating after enduring years of exploitative practices, such as the notorious fees for hand luggage. Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, and Volotea have been penalized by the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs for their repeated misconduct towards passengers.
The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has charged the four airlines for practices deemed as “abusive,” according to documents obtained by Spanish news outlet Cadena SER. These low-cost carriers have engaged in actions that violate consumer rights and are now prohibited. The airlines, represented by the ALA (Asociación de Líneas Aéreas), have stated that the ruling can still be contested through administrative or judicial channels.
Consumer organizations applaud this historic decision and urge affected travellers to take action by filing complaints. However, passengers will continue to bear the financial burden of these exploitative practices, as Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, and Volotea have expressed their intent to challenge the ruling. This move could potentially reshape the future operations of these budget airlines.
The recognized infractions include:
- Charging for hand luggage: Some airlines demand exorbitant fees for bringing a bag or backpack on board, even though they mention this type of baggage is free. This practice constitutes the majority of the fine.
- Fees for selecting seats for dependents: The fine highlights that charging for choosing seats for dependents, such as children, can put vulnerable individuals in a “situation of helplessness.”
- Lack of pricing transparency: Initial prices often do not match the final amount due to various surcharges, an unfair commercial practice that misleads consumers and distorts market competition.
- Ban on cash payments: Prohibiting cash payments for airport ticket purchases is also penalized. Additionally, Ryanair is fined for charging €20 to print a ticket.
Consumer associations like FACUA, OCU, and ASUFIN are championing this ruling. FACUA, the organization that initially filed the complaint, has created a platform for affected passengers to report the hand luggage charges. Rubén Sánchez, FACUA’s general secretary, is calling for collective legal action to pressure airlines into eliminating these practices before the fines are finalized. The organization is committed to helping consumers reclaim their money without the need for legal representation.
Cadena SER concludes that the airlines will likely challenge the fine, criticizing consumer organizations for supporting a measure that will impact nearly 50 million passengers who do not use carry-on luggage.