23-05-2025
Ryanair and EasyJet update as they reject hand luggage claims
The European Consumer Organisation has filed an official complaint to the European Commission against seven airlines, including Easyjet and Ryanair
A group of seven airlines, including Easyjet and Ryanair, are facing potential fines over their hand luggage charges, amid accusations of "exploiting" customers and "ignoring" EU law. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has filed a complaint with the European Commission, calling for an "EU-wide investigation" into the practice of charging extra fees for hand luggage.
The move follows a €179million fine imposed on five airlines by the Spanish Organisation of Consumer and Users (OCU) last year for "abusive" hand baggage practices. BEUC Director General Agustín Reyna said: "Haven't we all experienced the fear of our hand baggage not fitting in the airline's sizers and being charged extra fees? Today we are taking action against seven airlines who are exploiting consumers and are ignoring the EU top court who ruled that charging 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. In addition to our European action, the ongoing revision of the Air Passenger Rights regulation is the perfect opportunity for the EU to clarify what services should be included in the basic ticket price."
"Our data shows that 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."
The airlines involved, which also include Norwegian Airlines, Transavia, Wizzair, Volotea, and Vueling, have hit back against the accusations, reports Wales Online.
What does BEUC accuse the airlines of doing wrong?
BEUC have provided examples of what they believe are unfair practices. For EasyJet, they note how the airline "imposes fees varying on the route selected, flight and time of booking".
These fees begin at £5.99 and a fee applied directly at the airport, called an 'airport bag fee' is £48, they say. BEUC also say that Ryanair fees for baggage vary depending on the route and travel dates.
They say these can range from £6 to £36 when booking, or £20 to £60 when booking at the airport. Millions of passengers who flew with the airlines in 2024 could be affected, BEUC claims.
What have Ryanair and other airlines said?
A Ryanair spokesperson said the airline "welcomes the filing of this complaint", claiming it would "confirm" its bag policy "fully complies with EU law". The spokesperson stated: "Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40 x 25 x 20 cm) personal bag on board free as part of its basic air fare, with the option to add extra bags for an optional fee should they so wish. This policy promotes both low fares and consumer choice."
The airline argued that forcing the inclusion of additional carry-on bags in the basic fare would reduce choice and increase air fares for all passengers, ultimately harming consumers. Ryanair also questioned BEUC's dealings with online travel agencies, stating: "If BEUC is genuinely concerned about consumers being 'exploited', then why does it continue to ignore the rampant consumer harm being caused by overcharging OTAs, who continue to induce unsuspecting consumers into paying unjustified hidden mark-ups for flights and ancillary products that cost much less when booked directly on airlines' websites?"
The airline suggested that tackling these OTA overcharges and enforcing transparency in OTA pricing would be a more effective use of BEUC's resources. A spokesperson for Norwegian Air said: "Norwegian is committed to offering safe and affordable travel, and our baggage policy reflects this. We believe we are in compliance with EU regulations and the policy is transparent and essential for managing weight and limited space on board, ensuring passenger safety, and also maintaining punctuality.
"Our customers have shown that they appreciate not having to pay for extra baggage when they don't need it. Customers travelling with Norwegian can bring a bag from the duty-free shop in addition to their hand luggage on board the aircraft."
Representing several European carriers including EasyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair, and Volotea, Airlines 4 Europe also issued a joint statement. A spokesperson declared: "All airlines let travellers bring one personal item as part of their fare, in line with the Vueling Ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU).
"A 2024 Eurobarometer survey shows that 90% of passengers are well informed of the size and weight limits of the luggage included in their ticket. The action taken today by consumer organisations would decrease consumer choice and oblige all passengers to pay for additional services that they may not all need.
"The CJEU expressly acknowledges the value of unbundling services and how this allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs. The decision of the Spanish Consumer Protection Agency on cabin bags is currently under appeal and the European Commission is looking into whether it complies with EU law.
"Making cabin bags mandatory would force up to 50 million passengers in Spain alone to pay for something they do not want."
Moreover, the Spanish Airline Association (ALA), representing carriers including Vueling, insists that charging for cabin luggage is "perfectly legal". A spokesperson stated: "This practice allows passengers to pay only for the services they need, giving consumers the ability to choose based on their travel needs.
"In fact, this was the option chosen by just over 50 million passengers in 2024, who travelled without a trolley. If this practice were banned, these 50 million passengers would have to pay for a service they don't require, increasing their travel costs.
"It should be noted that airlines are currently already working with European authorities on standardising the dimensions of luggage. It should be noted that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' ruling, which fines some airlines €179 million for charging for cabin baggage and seeks to impose an end to this practice, is being appealed by the affected airlines.
"Therefore, there is no final decision on the matter until the courts issue a ruling."
