‘They are exploiting consumers' says buyer advocacy bosses as Ryanair welcomes complaint about hand luggage fees
RYANAIR has welcomed a recent complaint filed by the European Consumer Organisation BEUC - claiming the airline is "exploiting consumers".
The BEUC alleged that
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Ryanair has been told they are exploiting consumers by a buyers advocacy group
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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The airline has welcomed the complaint filed against them
Credit: Alamy
Lodged last week, the complaint calls for an EU-wide investigation into the commercial practices of these airlines and the broader sector.
He said: 'They are are exploiting consumers and ignoring the EU's top court, which ruled that charging for reasonably sized hand baggage is illegal.
"This was confirmed by recent fines in Spain, which made clear that passengers can bring their reasonably sized hand baggage onboard at no additional cost.'
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In response, Ryanair maintained that its baggage policy complies with
The airline said that passengers are allowed a 'generous' 40cm x 25cm x 20cm personal bag free of charge as part of the airfare, with the option to add extra bags for an extra fee.
They said: 'This policy promotes both low fares and consumer choice.
'If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive-up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers".
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Back in 2014, the EU Court of Justice decided that airlines aren't allowed to charge extra for hand luggage, as long as it's reasonably sized, not too heavy and passes
Ryanair argues that this confirms that airlines are entitled to charge passengers for carrying extra bags, as long as their essential items, such as a small personal bag is included in the ticket price.
How to check in for a Ryanair flight
The
According to BEUC, its data shows that consumers expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when purchasing basic tickets.
They said: 'Consumers expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when buying basic tickets.
"Policymakers should also define hand luggage's 'reasonable size and weight' to avoid surprises at the airport and ultimately reduce the number of disputes costing consumers and airlines time and money."
SPANISH COURT
This complaint adds to an increasing number of legal disputes challenging airlines over hand luggage fees.
In 2019, a
The court determined that airlines cannot charge for hand baggage that meets reasonable weight and size requirements and complies with security regulations.
Despite these rulings, Ryanair continues to enforce its baggage policies, asserting that they comply with EU law and that passengers have the option to add extra bags for an additional fee.
The airline's stance has been met with criticism from consumer rights groups across Europe, who are arguing that charging for hand luggage is an unfair practice that violates EU regulations.
And they hope that such complaints will lead to clearer guidelines and fairer treatment for passengers.
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The airline has previously been involved in legal disputes regarding hand luggage fees
Credit: Ryanair
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