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Euronews
2 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Exclusive: EU countries to mull charging for cabin baggage
Proposals to allow charging air passengers for carry-on cabin baggage and only permit compensation for longer delays to flights are set to be wrangled by EU countries' ambassadors meeting on Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the issue. The proposals are part of a wider project to reform EU air passenger rights on the negotiating set to be negotiated by member states on Wednesday before presentation to a meeting of the 27 transport ministers on Thursday. The draft proposes creating a new free hand luggage item, one that can be slipped under the seat, leaving other stowed cabin bags exposed to charges. The outcome of this cabin baggage tax is sensitive, and its adoption is far from certain, sources said. The debate heated up last month after European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) lodged a complaint. In all, 16 consumer protection associations from 12 Member States are accusing seven low-cost airlines of charging passengers undue fees for their hand luggage. "The European Court of Justice has made it very clear that hand baggage is an integral part of the basic ticket price. Normally, there is no surcharge on the price as long as the hand luggage is of a reasonable size," said Steven Berger, a lawyer with the European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC). "All we're seeing is a proliferation of airlines charging for this baggage (...) we're calling for very clear rules. Passengers must be able to take one piece of luggage, a small suitcase or a rucksack," he added. European airlines have a different interpretation of the case law. Kevin Hiney, Communications Director of A4E (Airlines for Europe), pointed out that "under European law and the single market, airlines have the right to unbundle their services in order to offer the best possible package to passengers". For the organisation, which represents 17 airlines in Europe and 80% of European air traffic, the proposal on the table merely seeks to harmonise different approaches between companies on this cabin baggage. "I think it's important to stress that what the current proposal from the Poles (the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU) is doing is setting the dimensions of these personal items to ensure clarity and transparency for all passengers, as well as for the airlines," said Kevin Hiney. In this political battle, consumers should be able to count on Spain to make their voice heard. Last November, Madrid condemned five airlines for abusive practices. The €179 million fine concerns, among other things, these extra charges on hand luggage. A proposal to revise the 2004 European regulations on compensation for delays also set to be discussed by ambassadors on Wednesday is also causing concern among civil society, carriers and governments. Passenger groups and airlines both want to see the rules revised, but in different ways. A European Commission proposal presented in 2013 envisaged extending the time limit required to trigger compensation to 5 hours of delay. The text presented to the member states by the Polish Presidency now moves in this same direction, proposing to extend the time limit for claiming primary compensation to 4 hours, with a second step from 6 hours depending on the distance of the journey. At present, compensation of between €250 and €600 euros can be claimed for delays of 3 hours or more. The European directive applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the nationality of the airline, and to flights arriving at EU airports if they are operated by an EU airline. It does not apply to flights to Europe operated by non-EU airlines, or to non-EU flights with a stopover in Europe. For A4E, the proposal is a step in the right direction. "We believe that the compensation thresholds should be extended to allow us to have a chance of recovering flight schedules when things go wrong," explains Kevin Hiney. "In the event of a mechanical problem, airlines have to find a replacement aircraft or crew, which takes time," he pointed out. "By adjusting the thresholds for compensation for delays, we will have a fighting chance to make these changes, to put in place the new aircraft and crew," said Kevin Hiney. According to BEUC, the proposed reform would deprive a very large number of passengers of compensation. "If the text is voted on as it stands between the member states, before negotiations with the Parliament, we will be sending out a very bad signal to European consumers by going back on rights that are really fundamental when travelling," says Steven Berger. However, the outcome of the negotiations is uncertain. "At the moment, there are two different opposing positions among the member states in the Council. On the whole, you have the camp of the member states that are going to defend the three hours to be able to benefit from the right to compensation and others that are going to ask for five hours and nine hours based on distance. So right now this is really the big source of conflict," said Steven Berger. Just ten or so countries would constitute a blocking minority within the EU Council. Before the ambassadors' meeting, Germany and Spain seemed to be opposed to any change in the compensation rules. However, it is the entire revision that must be validated or rejected. In other words, opposing changes to the compensation rules will bring down the whole reform. Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders has announced that his Party For Freedom (PVV) will leave the governing coalition over a migration dispute. The withdrawal, which comes three weeks before the Netherlands is due to host a NATO summit in the Hague, could spell the end of the 11-month-old government of Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Wilders confirmed the move in a social media post on X, saying he had taken the decision because his coalition partners were unwilling to agree to his migration plans. "No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition," he wrote on Tuesday morning. 'I signed up for the toughest asylum policy and not the downfall of the Netherlands,' Wilders told reporters. His coalition partners hit out at the move, with Dilan Yesilgöz, the leader of the right-wing People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), saying she was "shocked" by the decision, which she described as "super-irresponsible". Caroline van der Plas, leader of the populist Farmers Citizens Movement (BBB), also expressed her disappointment. 'He is not putting the Netherlands first, he is putting Geert Wilders first,' she told Dutch broadcaster NOS. Since last July, the PVV has been in a coalition with the VVD, the BBB and the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) party. Wilders presented a 10-point plan last Monday to radically reduce migration, putting pressure on the four-party coalition to toughen its migration policy or risk a cabinet crisis. "The gloves are off," Wilders said during a press conference to announce the plan, adding that his party would withdraw from the cabinet if migration policy was not toughened up. The proposal called for a complete halt to asylum, as well as a temporary stop to family reunions for asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status, and the return of all Syrians who have applied for asylum or are in the Netherlands on temporary visas. Wilders, who has long campaigned against immigration, also wanted to close asylum centres. Opposition parties and activists have called for new asylum centres to be opened to prevent overcrowding and inhumane conditions for asylum seekers who need shelter. Wilders' PVV won a dramatic victory in the November 2023 national election, gaining 37 out of the House of Representatives' 150 seats. Despite the PVV becoming the largest party in the Dutch parliament, Wilders failed to secure the position of prime minister after resistance from other major parties. The fragile right-wing coalition has been beset by problems, surviving crisis talks in November, when an NSC minister resigned after alleged racist comments were made by other cabinet members.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘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 3 Ryanair has been told they are exploiting consumers by a buyers advocacy group Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 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.' READ MORE IN TRAVEL 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". Most read in The Irish Sun 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. 3 The airline has previously been involved in legal disputes regarding hand luggage fees Credit: Ryanair
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Calls for EU to intervene in row over charges for hand baggage on budget airlines
Campaigners are calling for EU lawmakers to intervene in the row over whether budget airlines should be allowed to charge customers who want to take hand baggage on to a flight. Last week European consumer groups called for Brussels to investigate the pricing policies of seven airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. Airlines were 'exploiting consumers', said Agustín Reyna, director general of BEUC, an umbrella group for 44 consumer organisations, and were 'ignoring the EU top court who ruled that charging [for] reasonably sized hand baggage is illegal'. 'Haven't we all experienced the fear of our hand baggage not fitting in the airline's sizers and being charged extra fees?' he said. Whereas once travellers worried about the weight of suitcases going in the hold, now it is shrinking hand baggage allowances that cause anxiety in airport queues. In recent years it has become common practice for travellers to face a fee if they want to carry on all but the smallest of bags, with charges varying between airlines. Passengers with Ryanair, for example, can carry a small bag that fits under the seat for nothing. However, if a gate check reveals it is oversized the fee is £60. A larger cabin bag can be added to a flight booking for £6 to £36 depending on the route but, again, if it is deemed too large it costs £75 to stow. Spain has become a battleground for the issue. Last year its Consumer Rights Ministry fined five budget airlines, including Ryanair, a total of €179m for charging passengers for hand luggage and seat reservations. This month a Spanish judge ordered Ryanair to refund a passenger €147 (£124) in hand luggage charges racked up across five flights, including a return trip from Spain to the UK. In the ruling, Judge Raquel Martínez Marco said 'carry-on luggage is an essential element of passenger transportation' and therefore 'cannot be subject to a price supplement'. The case was backed by Spanish consumer rights organisation Facua, which has been decrying the 'illegal surcharge' since 2018. Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's chief executive, suggested passengers were happy to pay for the service they wanted. He said a third of its customers 'take no ancillaries, and therefore are happy taking the free [smaller] cabin bag'. Expecting them to pay for people who want bring a larger cabin bag 'doesn't feel very consumer friendly', he said. Jarvis added that free cabin bags were previously a 'big logistical headache' for easyJet because they could not all fit in the overhead lockers. This led to delays and passengers being inconvenienced by having their bag put in the hold. 'That's why it is good to just ask the traveller to pay for what they want,' he said. Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said it would not be changing its policies: 'The Spanish have a mad minister who's decided that as General Franco passed some law 30 years before Spain joined the European Union, passengers are free to bring as much baggage as they want,' he said. 'It's a clear breach of European regulations,' he said. 'The European Commission have already told Spain it's illegal.' Any attempt to intervene would be in breach of the regulation that guarantees airlines the freedom to set prices and policies free from political interference, O'Leary added. 'In the short term, you have a couple of the consumer agencies in Spain taking decisions at local court level and trumpeting these,' he said. 'It's not going to change. We're not changing our policy. It will get referred to the European courts; we'll be appealing those rulings. In reality, there isn't that demand from passengers.' Reyna said that given the current review into EU legislation governing air passenger rights there was an opportunity to clarify what services should be included in a basic ticket price. 'Our data shows that consumers expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when buying basic tickets,' he said. '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.' Kevin Bodley, a consultant at law firm Steele Raymond, who specialises in aviation law, said the Spanish ruling 'had delivered a clear message against hidden airline fees'. While neither the Spanish judgment nor future EU laws are binding in the UK they could still 'influence legal reasoning and consumer rights discussions in the UK', he said. 'The end result suggests the emergence of an increasing level of protection to passengers at the expense of the airlines,' Bodley said. 'However, this may well be cancelled out by the need for airlines to increase overall fare levels to cover this at the ultimate expense of travellers.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
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."
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Calls for EU-investigation into seven airlines - including Ryanair - for unfair hand luggage fees
AN UMBRELLA GROUP for European consumer organisations has called for an EU-wide investigation into seven airlines – including Ryanair – for charging 'undue fees' for hand baggage. BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, this week filed a complaint to the European Commission and the EU's Consumer Protection Network against the seven airlines for 'exploiting consumers'. Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, said the airlines are 'ignoring the EU top court who ruled that charging reasonably sized hand baggage is illegal'. In addition to Ryanair, the other airlines targeted include Easyjet, Norwegian Airlines, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizzair. BEUC said that both EU law and associated case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) entitle consumers to fly with reasonably sized hand baggage without additional costs. However, it said many airlines 'continue to impose additional fees on consumers for this service'. It noted that last year, the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs imposed fines on airlines for a total of €179m in relation to fees on hand baggage. While BEUC acknowledges that the decision was issued in Spain and mainly applies to consumers in Spain, similar practices by the same airlines and others are still taking place across Europe. Reyna said this court decision in Spain 'made clear that passengers can bring their reasonably sized hand baggage onboard at no additional cost'. BEUC also accused airlines of using 'different and inconsistent wording' in relation to luggage in order to 'mislead consumers'. Meanwhile, the CEJU has ruled that baggage that is not checked in must be considered as a necessary item for passengers and there should not be subject to a price supplement if it meets reasonable requirements in terms of weight and dimensions. Elsewhere, Reyna remarked that data from BEUC shows that consumers 'expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when buying basic tickets'. 'Policymakers should 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,' he added. In a statement to The Journal , a Ryanair spokesperson said the airline 'welcomed the filing of this complaint to the EU Commission, which will confirm that Ryanair's bags policy fully complies with EU Law, which grants all EU airlines the freedom to set prices'. Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a 40 x 25 x 20 cm personal bag on board for free as part of its basic air fare, with the option to add extra bags for an extra fee starting at €30 per flight, and €60 if done at the airport. While Ryanair described its personal bag allowance as 'generous', it is smaller than all the other airlines targeted by BEUC. '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,' said Ryanair. Ryanair also hit out at online travel agents, who the spokesperson said 'continue to induce unsuspecting consumers into paying unjustified hidden mark-ups for flights that cost much less when booked directly on airlines' websites'. 'Outlawing these harmful OTA overcharges and enforcing transparency in OTA pricing would be a much better use of BEUC and its members' resources,' said Ryanair. Meanwhile, A4E (Airlines for Europe) claimed the action by BEUc 'would decrease consumer choice and oblige all passengers to pay for additional services that they may not all need'. It added that 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. Advertisement Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
