Low-cost airlines fined 150 million Euros in spain over hand luggage charges

Fine

The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has fined four airlines 150 million euros. The airlines were fined because they charge for various elements of the ticket and because some practices are deceptive or unethical, such as:

• Charging a fee for taking hand luggage on board
• Charging extra to choose a seat when travelling with dependents, such as disabled people and young children
• Not giving clear information about the ultimate price
• Refusing cash payments

Ryanair is also being additionally reprimanded. Ryanair passengers have to pay €20 for reprinting boarding passes at the airport. The Ministry believes this is unfair, because this sum is far higher than the costs Ryanair actually incurs to print the ticket. All these factors have resulted in an unprecedented fine of millions.

Complaints

Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation into the airlines in the summer of 2023. This investigation was launched after various consumer organisations in Spain shared passenger complaints with the Ministry. According to these organisations, the airline practices reported are deceptive because many costs are charged in addition the ticket price.

Appeal

The airlines disagree with the fine. They are therefore appealing the Ministry's decision. They may commence legal proceedings. According to trade association Asociación de Líneas Aéreas (ALA), companies are free to set their prices. ALA also thinks the government should wait for European guidelines to be issued on this. Europe previously announced that it wants to make rules for this.