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Budget Airlines Under Fire for ‘Illegal’ Hand Luggage Fees

Budget Airlines Under Fire for ‘Illegal’ Hand Luggage Fees

Consumer groups demand EU crackdown on low-cost carriers’ controversial baggage policies

EU Consumer Rights Organisations File Complaint

Seven budget airlines are facing serious accusations from European consumer rights organisations over hand luggage charges deemed “illegal.” Groups across Europe have called on the European Commission and national watchdogs to investigate these controversial airline fees. The complaint targets Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Vueling, Norwegian, Volotea, and Transavia for allegedly breaching EU consumer protection laws.

Court Ruling Ignored, Say Advocates

At the centre of the dispute is a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling that prohibits extra charges for hand baggage. The ruling allows passengers to carry reasonably sized hand luggage without paying extra, provided it meets safety and size rules.

Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, says airlines are “exploiting consumers and ignoring the EU’s top court.” Consumer groups argue that the airlines charge for bags that clearly fall within these EU-defined “reasonable” limits.

Lack of Uniformity Confuses Travellers

BEUC says inconsistent baggage policies across Europe are confusing and unfair to consumers trying to compare prices. A ticket that appears cheap at first often comes with hidden or unavoidable add-on fees for hand luggage or seat selection. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for passengers to make informed travel decisions across different airlines.

Spain Already Took Action

Spain recently fined five of the named carriers a total of €179 million for similar abusive practices.

Ryanair received the largest penalty at €107 million, followed by Vueling (€39M) and EasyJet (€29M). Wizz Air and Transavia, not fined in Spain, are now also under scrutiny in this broader EU complaint.

Hidden Fees Add Up Fast

A Tradingpedia report highlighted how hidden fees drastically raise the true cost of a budget airline ticket.

  • Wizz Air topped the list, charging an average of £207.93 (€245) in additional fees on top of the base fare.
  • Ryanair followed with £198.58 (€234),
  • EasyJet with £180.48 (€213),
  • British Airways had the lowest at just £64 (€75).

Many of these charges include non-optional fees like rescue charges, booking fees, and infant costs, often surprising travellers. Consumer groups argue it’s time for greater enforcement to ensure airlines comply with existing laws and offer genuinely transparent pricing.

What’s Next?

The European Commission and national authorities will now review the complaint and decide whether to take enforcement action. If the airlines are found guilty of breaching EU law, they could face substantial fines and policy overhauls.

For now, travellers are advised to read the fine print, double-check baggage policies, and compare the true cost of flying.