Latest news with #Salamanca
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Madrid 2025
The best hotels in Madrid beckon travelers with a dynamic blend of thoughtful amenities, historic architecture and locations ideal for exploring the city's many diverse neighborhoods. From tasty tapas to thrilling flamenco performances to world-class museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, immersive cultural experiences can be found here at every turn. To choose Madrid's best accommodations, we tapped experts like Jamie Tice, a travel advisor at Fora, who knows the ins and outs of the city. Our top recommendation is the Rosewood Villa Magna, thanks to its spacious rooms and ideal Salamanca location. We also recommend the Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel for families and the Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza for couples. Below, the best hotels in Madrid in 2025. Guest room at the Rosewood Villa Magna. Madrid's leafy Salamanca neighborhood comes highly recommended by Tice, and the Rosewood Villa Magna—perched on the swanky Paseo de la Castellana—is a great all-around choice. Its location places guests close to excellent boutique shopping, and its spacious rooms feature king-size beds, lacquer-trimmed furnishings, marble baths and dark wood chevron-patterned flooring. Common areas are equally cozy, with an open-plan setting and plush seating ideal for lounging, and the property's Sense spa offers a standout Turkish marble hammam that's not to be missed. For meals, guests can choose between Flor y Nata's traditional afternoon tea, grilled Spanish cuisine at Las Brasas de Castellana, Michelin-star chef Jesús Sánchez's signature Cantabrian cuisine at Amós, or light tapas and cocktails at Tarde.O—the latter three offering beautiful al fresco seating options. A treat for families: With the exception of Amós, all children under age 12 eat free. Doble Treatment Room at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Opening its doors in 2020, the Four Seasons Madrid is an ideal marriage of high-end accommodations and authentic Spanish flavor. Located on the uber-central square of Puerta Del Sol, the hotel features 200 elegantly adorned rooms and 22 residences all housed in seven historic buildings that were merged together. Dining includes elevated Andalusian cuisine at Michelin-star chef Dani Garcia's namesake Dani, as well as creative cocktails and Mediterranean and Asian dishes at Isa Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Art lovers will have no shortage of things to see (the hotel has over 1,500 art pieces on display), and the property's expansive wellness area features a spa, fitness center, hair salon, glass-covered heated and cold water pools, eight plush treatment rooms, and—for extra opulence—a gold-dusted relaxation area. Main courtyard at CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha. The Palacio de Atocha, the one-time lavish home of a high-ranking navy official, is now a retro-modern 34-room boutique stay in Madrid's literary district, Las Letras. The building, constructed in 1852, retains glamorous vintage touches: a winding staircase, a granite garden fountain, wrought-iron courtyard detailing and the former carriage entrance, which mixes curiously well with the neon signage and contemporary artwork sprinkled around the premises. Guest rooms here offer a real taste of palatial living, with antique moldings, modish velvet furnishings, and black and white marble baths. At meal time, the property's restaurant, El Patio de Atocha, serves a creative fusion of international cuisines and regional ingredients in an airy, blue canopy space with views of the property's pool and garden. Penthouse with terrace at 7 Islas Hotel. Family-run since opening its doors in 2002, Madrid's industrial-hip 7 Islas Hotel is a creative stay in the city's urban art enclave of Malasaña. The hotel's curated artwork rotates every few months, and the on-site 7 Kitchen & Bar serves Mediterranean bites and craft cocktails. With nightly rates hovering around $150 during peak season, accommodations here offer great value: Guests can choose from cozy Easy rooms to penthouse suites with luxe terraces, all with a clean, minimalist aesthetic comprising natural wood floors, metal trunk storage, printed throw rugs and woven leather and metal headboards. All rooms feature minibars with artisan products, quality bedding, Malin+Goetz amenities, and full bar menu room service for an exceptional homestay at a competitive price. Suite at the Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel Words like 'grand' and 'aristocratic' come to mind describing Santo Mauro, the 19th-century neoclassical Duke's residence-turned-luxury-hotel in Madrid's quiet Chamberí district. The property consists of three buildings surrounded by enchanting manicured gardens with dense trees and wrought-iron and marble patio sets with fringed parasols—an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic escape. High-ceilinged antique-filled banquets and sitting rooms, each more striking than the next, occupy the lounge area, while room names such as The Red Room match their themes. After drinks at La Coctelería bar, guests can choose between the refined La Biblioteca restaurant, a former library featuring walls lined with bookshelves; Gresca, an ornate see-and-be-seen hotspot; or the property's charming garden terrace. The Petit Palace Room at the Petit Palace Lealtad Palace. Elegant and understated, Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza's vividly-painted lounges, eye-catching wall art and prime location near many of Madrid's most family-friendly attractions make it a solid choice for travelers of all ages. With complimentary strollers, a stay here makes it easy to experience all that the city has to offer, like the Botanical Gardens, El Retiro Park and the Prado Museum. At check-in, young visitors will immediately feel at home with a selection of toys from a collaboration with UNICEF and a dedicated play area to give parents a breather. Depending on the size of your brood, family rooms with bunk beds, cribs, extra beds and multimedia devices are available to keep children entertained. At breakfast time, high chairs and special children's menus complete the hotel's kid-friendly initiative. Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Situated in Madrid's tony Golden Triangle of Art, home to the famed Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, and just a short jaunt to El Retiro Park, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz offers an impeccable location near the city's big sights. All 100 rooms and 53 suites ooze sophistication with leather headboards, white marble bathrooms, ultra-comfort beds, a maxi bar and a neutral color palette. The rooms here are particularly great for groups, as all Deluxe rooms and suites offer connecting rooms; the Grand Suite, in particular, has a king bed and four twin beds. The on-site dining, all conceptualized by Michelin-star chef Quique Dacosta, is not to be missed, especially the grand reception area that leads to the glass-domed Palm court, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served alongside a Champagne bar serving first-rate bubbly and caviar. The Madrid Edition. Design lovers are sure to appreciate The Madrid Edition's modern aesthetic, which welcomes guests with a magnificently sculpted spiral staircase that leads to the sleek spaces inside. The hotel's 200 rooms, including 23 suites, are all dressed in fashionable white and cream, with backlit headboards inspired by the 18th-century baroque portal out front and glam elements like faux-fur throws and head-to-toe drapery. The Lobby Bar, the nucleus of the hotel, is offset by a pool table made with a slab of white marble and a cobalt blue top, while a pink-kissed corridor leads to the first of two restaurants, Jerónimo, where Mexican-inspired cuisine is served in four distinct settings. Other notable design features include a double-long green bar, canary yellow banquettes, and specially designed light fixtures. Terraza at The Principal Madrid. Classic in look and essence and with just 76 rooms, The Principal Madrid welcomes guests in a space designed for both comfort and leisure. Built in 1917, the building is filled with artwork, furnishings and knick-knacks that pay tribute to the turn-of-the-century architecture that inspired it. The color scheme—a fusion of muted greens, golds, taupes and splashes of red—alongside Ramón Freixa's plush Ático restaurant and a private-use wellness suite add elegant touches of splendor. The star of the show, however, is the grand rooftop terrace, offering arresting panoramic views over the city's main thoroughfare and the Broadway of Madrid, Gran Via, and emblematic buildings like the Círculo de Bellas Artes and the Bank of Spain. Guests can opt for a traditional cocktail at the olive-tree-lined La Terraza or enjoy a bite at the bistro-inspired La Pérgola. Picos Pardos Sky Lounge by Martini at the Bless Hotel. Bless Hotel Madrid is located in the elegant Salamanca district, neighboring the city's most exclusive shops and restaurants. The property comes highly recommended by Tice, who touts its surrounding area as top-notch: 'Staying at Bless Hotel allowed me to enjoy afternoon tea while staying close to the shops and enjoying the walkability of the beautiful area,' she says. Bedrooms here are bright with hardwood floors, oversized beds, patterned rugs and a hint of whimsy from the nature print wallpaper, while public spaces continue the eclectic feel with a cozy spa, virtual training room and the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Fetén. The property's crown jewel is its stylish rooftop sky lounge, complete with an emerald-tiled swimming pool that is sure to refresh after a long day on the town. The wellness area is an intimate space highlighted by a rectangular circuit pool fitted with paneled woods and neutral patterned walls. Neoclassical on the outside and with a modern interior, Urso Hotel & Spa preserves its rich architectural history with elements like stained glass windows and a fully functional antique elevator. The 78 rooms here are bright and inviting, with hardwood floors, full-length curtains and comfy deluxe bedding—all in a serene area of the city that's not far from the sights. 'The hotel is just on the outskirts of the city's busy-ness but close enough to walk to old town charm,' says Tice, who often recommends Urso to clients. Wellness is the standout here—the property's tranquil facility comprises a tiny techno gym, a Turkish hammam with aromatic eucalyptus scents and four treatment rooms. Premium spa brands Natura Bissé and Comfort Zone are used for all services, and treatments are customized and can be purchased in packs of up to 15 for future use. The vibe is at once eccentric and sumptuous with its maze of sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and offbeat decór. Only You Boutique Hotel sits near the heart of Madrid's bustling Chueca district, lined with bars and clubs. Inside, the energy continues with an eccentric and sumptuous atmosphere: A maze of quirky sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and whimsical décor (think: a faux rhino head and a suitcase wall) greets guests as they enter. Bedrooms in this former 19th-century mansion are a touch more subdued while still echoing the grandeur of common areas with framed vintage Madrid maps, velvet headboards, geometric rugs and giraffe-print robes. The unconventional feel continues with Asian-inspired massages at the Thai Room, a 24-hour gym and the white Patio of Platos, a courtyard stacked with chinoiserie-print plate wall displays that triple as a lounge, dining area and event space. The rooms have been remodeled to reflect the hotel's storied heritage. Inaugurated in 1912, the The Palace exudes history: Formerly known as the Westin Palace, it was the go-to hangout spot for Spanish creatives like Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel in the 1920s before becoming a field dressing hospital during the Spanish Civil War. Recently taken over by Marriott's Luxury Collection, the hotel still offers a storied atmosphere that can be found everywhere you look, from the 17th-century tapestries in common areas to the La Rotunda Restaurant's crystal chandelier and ornate stained glass Art Nouveau cupola. The 470 rooms, of which 50 are suites, have been meticulously remodeled to reflect the hotel's heritage and are bathed in ivory with period wallpaper art, bespoke furnishings, marble fireplaces and a pop of modern color. The splendid LobByto Bar is a design marvel featuring art deco-style leather, velvetback furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar. Another historic property, Madrid's Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest hotel in Madrid and has hosted no shortage of legendary artists, including Henri Matisse and Virginia Woolf, since opening its doors in 1886. Continuing the artistic theme, the property's central location in Barrio de las Letras is steps away from tons of art galleries and bohemian haunts (Ernest Hemingway went on many famous bar crawls here) as well as the popular Paseo del Arte. The hotel's décor, particularly the LobByto Bar, is something to behold: Featuring Art Deco furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar with a hanging liquor cabinet, it feels like it dropped into the building right out of a time machine. The generous space multitasks as a discreet guest check-in area, themed live music host, afternoon tea service and a weekend brunch hot spot that artsy guests are sure to appreciate. Rooms have classic furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflecting a sophisticated style reminiscent of the property's aristocratic backstory. A short distance from Calle Serrano, the city's most exclusive shopping street, and a 20-minute strut to Gran Via's fast fashion boutiques, the 44-room Hotel Único Madrid welcomes visitors looking for a quiet respite in a boutique setting. The property's refined elegance is showcased in the common area library and its classic winding staircase spotlighting a vividly red sculpture. Rooms are filled with traditional furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflecting a sophisticated style inspired by the property's aristocratic backstory. Treatments at the spa feature luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé in the indulgent face and body treatments, while the well-equipped gym can provide personal trainers to keep fitness schedules on track. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. My name is Astrid Taran and I'm the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hand luggage fees could soon be banned. We have the Spanish to thank
Last week, a court in Spain's 31st biggest city issued Ryanair a €147 (£124) fine. Small fry, for a multi-billion euro business, I know. But the ruling could have wide-reaching ramifications for both airlines and passengers, and could even spell the beginning of the end for hand luggage fees. The court in Salamanca ordered Ryanair to reimburse a passenger for hand luggage charges paid over five flights between 2019 and 2024. The passenger travelled with a standard small suitcase that was larger than Ryanair's free hand luggage allowance, but small enough to take on board. According to Ryanair's rules, the passenger was correctly charged to bring the case on the flight. But according to the Salamanca judge, hand luggage is an essential and indispensable element of air transport and, therefore, the airline was ordered to issue a refund plus interest and costs. There are a number of different legal considerations in the mix here. In 2014, a European Union court said hand luggage 'must, in principle, be considered an indispensable element of passenger transport and that its carriage cannot, therefore, be subject to a price supplement.' This is supported by Article 97 of Spain's Air Navigation Law, which says airlines are 'obliged to transport not only the passenger, but also, and without charging anything for it, the objects and hand luggage that they carry' with them. But on the flip side, many airlines and Spain's Airline Association says that charging for hand luggage is legal under EU law. This €147 fine might seem quibbly and irrelevant to your summer holiday plans. But the Salamanca case sets a legal precedent that could spell more court cases for low-cost airlines, potentially even in the UK, and the ultimate end of hand luggage charges for passengers. The Salamanca case is the latest chapter in an emerging war between Spanish lawmakers and low-cost airlines. In October 2024, Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs fined five low-cost airlines a total of €179m (£149m) for hidden fees. Ryanair faced the biggest fine of €108m (£90m), while easyJet received a penalty of €29m (£24m). Vueling, Volotea and Norwegian were also fined. The Salamanca case was backed by the Spanish consumer rights group, Facua, and marked their fifth success in battling Ryanair and Vueling over hand luggage fees. In a similar 2025 case in San Sebastian, Vueling were ordered to refund a passenger €11. After the latest Salamanca case, lawyer Isaac Guijarro said it was a 'huge win for travellers everywhere. It shows Ryanair can't get away with treating passengers like walking ATMs.' The drip fees have, indeed, ramped up in recent years. In November 2018, Wizz and Ryanair began charging passengers to bring a large cabin bag on board. Only a laptop bag or small backpack, small enough to fit under a seat, could be carried on for free. EasyJet followed suit in December 2020. These days, low-cost airlines make the bulk of their profits from ancillary sales; in 2023, Ryanair made €4.2bn through things like luggage extras, seat selection and speedy boarding. Some legacy airlines are at it, too. At least seven – United, Air Canada, Finnair, Sas, KM Malta Airlines, Latam and Avianca – now offer only a limited cabin bag allowance at their cheapest rate. But is a reversal now on the cards? While the add-on fee structure feels relatively entrenched in aviation, lawyers say this could change after the Salamanca ruling. Daniel Scognamiglio of the law firm Blake Morgan told The Telegraph: 'This will have consequences for all airlines flying to and from Spain and possibly other EU destinations as well. 'It was a small claims process, so the authority of the judgment could be brought into question, but it does show how courts are likely to deal with this issue and the judgment is going to be persuasive.' 'The judgment is likely to cause further difficulties for an airline not being completely transparent in its charges. It is also likely that passengers in the UK and elsewhere may well challenge charges for taking hand luggage on board a flight,' Scognamiglio added. In the event that Ryanair and other low-cost airlines do end up scrapping their additional luggage fees, this would not necessarily be a 'huge win' for all travellers. A clampdown on cabin luggage fees would almost certainly lead to return to higher base-line fares as airlines look to make up for lost revenue. So a 'loss', in fact, for air passengers who travel light or who usually just pay for a bigger bag in the hold. This, on top of Ryanair's impending fare rises announced this week, could make low-cost airlines feel less low-cost than before. But that's all hypothetical for now, because Ryanair remains bullish. In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40 x 25 x 20 cm) personal bag on board as part of the 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, and is fully compliant with EU law, as upheld by several recent Spanish court rulings, including in Coruña, Segovia, Ontinyent, Seville, and Madrid.' Ryanair may be unwavering, but I suspect that Spanish air passengers, Facua and, who knows, maybe even some disgruntled, litigiously minded British holidaymakers, will be emboldened by what happened in Salamanca this month. The battle for the wheelie bag has only just begun. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Hand luggage fees could soon be banned. We have the Spanish to thank
Last week, a court in Spain's 31st biggest city issued Ryanair a €147 (£124) fine. Small fry, for a multi-billion euro business, I know. But the ruling could have wide-reaching ramifications for both airlines and passengers, and could even spell the beginning of the end for hand luggage fees. The court in Salamanca ordered Ryanair to reimburse a passenger for hand luggage charges paid over five flights between 2019 and 2024. The passenger travelled with a standard small suitcase that was larger than Ryanair's free hand luggage allowance, but small enough to take on board. According to Ryanair's rules, the passenger was correctly charged to bring the case on the flight. But according to the Salamanca judge, hand luggage is an essential and indispensable element of air transport and, therefore, the airline was ordered to issue a refund plus interest and costs. There are a number of different legal considerations in the mix here. In 2014, a European Union court said hand luggage 'must, in principle, be considered an indispensable element of passenger transport and that its carriage cannot, therefore, be subject to a price supplement.' This is supported by Article 97 of Spain's Air Navigation Law, which says airlines are 'obliged to transport not only the passenger, but also, and without charging anything for it, the objects and hand luggage that they carry' with them. But on the flip side, many airlines and Spain's Airline Association says that charging for hand luggage is legal under EU law. This €147 fine might seem quibbly and irrelevant to your summer holiday plans. But the Salamanca case sets a legal precedent that could spell more court cases for low-cost airlines, potentially even in the UK, and the ultimate end of hand luggage charges for passengers. Spanish courts vs low-cost airlines The Salamanca case is the latest chapter in an emerging war between Spanish lawmakers and low-cost airlines. In October 2024, Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs fined five low-cost airlines a total of €179m (£149m) for hidden fees. Ryanair faced the biggest fine of €108m (£90m), while easyJet received a penalty of €29m (£24m). Vueling, Volotea and Norwegian were also fined. The Salamanca case was backed by the Spanish consumer rights group, Facua, and marked their fifth success in battling Ryanair and Vueling over hand luggage fees. In a similar 2025 case in San Sebastian, Vueling were ordered to refund a passenger €11. After the latest Salamanca case, lawyer Isaac Guijarro said it was a 'huge win for travellers everywhere. It shows Ryanair can't get away with treating passengers like walking ATMs.' The drip fees have, indeed, ramped up in recent years. In November 2018, Wizz and Ryanair began charging passengers to bring a large cabin bag on board. Only a laptop bag or small backpack, small enough to fit under a seat, could be carried on for free. EasyJet followed suit in December 2020. These days, low-cost airlines make the bulk of their profits from ancillary sales; in 2023, Ryanair made €4.2bn through things like luggage extras, seat selection and speedy boarding. Some legacy airlines are at it, too. At least seven – United, Air Canada, Finnair, Sas, KM Malta Airlines, Latam and Avianca – now offer only a limited cabin bag allowance at their cheapest rate. But is a reversal now on the cards? A legal precedent While the add-on fee structure feels relatively entrenched in aviation, lawyers say this could change after the Salamanca ruling. Daniel Scognamiglio of the law firm Blake Morgan told The Telegraph: 'This will have consequences for all airlines flying to and from Spain and possibly other EU destinations as well. 'It was a small claims process, so the authority of the judgment could be brought into question, but it does show how courts are likely to deal with this issue and the judgment is going to be persuasive.' 'The judgment is likely to cause further difficulties for an airline not being completely transparent in its charges. It is also likely that passengers in the UK and elsewhere may well challenge charges for taking hand luggage on board a flight,' Scognamiglio added. In the event that Ryanair and other low-cost airlines do end up scrapping their additional luggage fees, this would not necessarily be a 'huge win' for all travellers. A clampdown on cabin luggage fees would almost certainly lead to return to higher base-line fares as airlines look to make up for lost revenue. So a 'loss', in fact, for air passengers who travel light or who usually just pay for a bigger bag in the hold. This, on top of Ryanair's impending fare rises announced this week, could make low-cost airlines feel less low-cost than before. But that's all hypothetical for now, because Ryanair remains bullish. In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40 x 25 x 20 cm) personal bag on board as part of the 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, and is fully compliant with EU law, as upheld by several recent Spanish court rulings, including in Coruña, Segovia, Ontinyent, Seville, and Madrid.' Ryanair may be unwavering, but I suspect that Spanish air passengers, Facua and, who knows, maybe even some disgruntled, litigiously minded British holidaymakers, will be emboldened by what happened in Salamanca this month. The battle for the wheelie bag has only just begun.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE What Ryanair hand luggage court ruling could mean for UK passengers, according to aviation legal expert... and will it lead to pricier air fares?
Ryanair being told to refund a passenger £124 over hand luggage charges could see budget airlines charge a pricier 'all inclusive' fare, an aviation legal expert warned today. A landmark court ruling in Salamanca, Spain, earlier this month decided that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel and should not be subject to extra fees. The passenger involved in the case will be reimbursed £124 (€147) for hand luggage costs charged on five flights between 2019 and 2024 following the judgment. Kevin Bodley, a consultant at Steele Raymond LLP Solicitors, which specialises in aviation law, said the decision has 'potentially significant implications' for English law and air travel policy. He added that the ruling raises the likelihood that airlines in Spain will be forced to change policies to allow all standard sized cabin bags within a standard fare. This could also lead to challenges on the legality of similar fees levied by other airlines, some of whom allow a free small personal bag but charge for larger bags. The Spanish judgment was based on a decision by the European Court of Justice in 2014 in which it was said hand luggage is 'an indispensable element of passenger transport and that its carriage cannot, therefore, be subject to a price supplement'. The passenger's claim was backed by Spanish consumer rights organisation Facua, in the latest case during a long-running battle against budget airlines. The group has now won five rulings in recent months relating to hand luggage, against Ryanair and Vueling. Facua has relied on article 97 of Spain's Air Navigation law which states that airlines are 'obliged to transport not only the passenger, but also, and without charging anything for it, the objects and hand luggage that they carry' with them. What is Ryanair's existing bag policy? All passenger fare types include a small personal bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you. This can be a handbag, laptop bag or backpack, and must measure 40x20x25cm. For those requiring additional baggage allowance, there are further options. You can buy a cabin baggage allowance, allowing you to take a case weighing up 10kg on board with you which must be stored in the overhead locker and measure 55x40x20cm. The price for this is £6 to £36 at the time of booking, or £20 to £60 post-booking or at the airport. You can also buy checked baggage with a maximum of 10kg or 20kg. This must be dropped at the airport check-in desk before security. The 10kg price is £9.49 to £44.99 at the time of booking, or £23.99 to £44.99 post-booking or at the airport. The 20kg bag cost is £18.99 to £59.99 at the time of booking, or £39.99 to£59.99 at the airport. Customers who bring an oversized bag (over 55x40x20cm) to the gate must check it in upon payment of a fee of £70-£75. Mr Bodley believes the rulings could now encourage passengers to challenge similar fees in English courts, potentially leading to a change in the law or airline policies and terms of carriage. He told MailOnline: 'The core issue is whether airlines can justify imposing extra charges for basic passenger entitlements in an attempt to lower headline fares which consumers argue are traditionally included in the ticket price. 'The emphasis in Spain at least appears to be protecting passengers from less transparent additional pricing structures that can lead to unexpected costs.' Mr Bodley said the implications of the rulings were 'not limited to individual refunds' and could 'force airlines to revise their entire pricing strategies, particularly when flying to or from Spain'. He added: 'For budget airlines, which often rely on unbundled pricing models where most service elements carry additional costs, this represents a significant regulatory challenge to carriers' practices. 'The issues are financially significant and crucial to their business and are unlikely to be surrendered without a fight.' Consumer groups believe airlines are trying to 'maximise revenue at the expense of clarity and fairness', Mr Bodley said, adding that the decisions 'could force budget airlines to become more transparent in their marketing and pricing'. He also said: 'As more passengers become aware of their rights and are willing to challenge questionable charges, airlines may need to reassess what services are considered 'optional' versus those that are part of the basic travel experience.' Mr Bodley said Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has spent years ramping up oversight of airline pricing practices, particularly among budget operators. And he added: 'For passengers, these rulings help to create a clearer understanding of passenger rights and possibly a judicial trend. 'Those who have been historically paid similar extra charges may now be encouraged to demand reimbursements or take legal action. The jurisprudence of the Spanish courts suggest a willingness to look favourably on such claims. 'Airlines operating in or out of Spain may now be forced to adopt clearer charge structures and more consumer-friendly policies, or further legal repercussions and reputational damage.' Mr Bodley described the latest ruling as a 'pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between budget airlines and passenger rights advocates'. He concluded: 'By confirming that hand luggage is an essential component of air travel and should not incur extra charges, the court has delivered a clear message against hidden airline fees. 'This verdict not only benefits the individual passenger but also sets a legal precedent forcing airlines to alter pricing structures throughout Spain and potentially influence broader European air travel policies.' While the Spanish judgment does not directly apply in English law and is not binding in the UK, he believes it could 'influence legal reasoning and consumer rights discussions in the UK and may be regarded by the courts as being of 'persuasive authority' as justification for applying it'. Mr Bodley said: 'The consequences of the decision, and any future litigation or regulation, could result on changes in airline terms of carriage. 'If so, this may also lead to increasing passenger charges if a single 'all inclusive' fare price is mandated. Perhaps that might also create a 'fare wars' from which consumers might benefit.' However, the decision itself may also be open to challenge by the airlines. Although the ruling claims to be based on the 2014 decision of the European Court of Justice, there is a counter-argument claiming it actually breaches that decision and ignores the 'supremacy principle' of EU law. This principle is that when the domestic law of a member state conflicts with EU law, it is EU law that takes priority. If that was to be the case, the latest ruling would be unlawful and of no effect. As for Ryanair, the airline has insisted its policy is legal in Spain and has pointed to various different rulings at courts in the country that it says have confirmed this. A Ryanair spokesperson said: 'Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40x25x20cm) personal bag on board as part of the 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, and is fully compliant with EU law, as upheld by several recent Spanish court rulings, including in Coruña, Segovia, Ontinyent, Seville, and Madrid.' Other airlines and Spain's Airline Association also believe that charging for hand luggage is legal under EU law. The law states that: 'Community air carriers and, on the basis of reciprocity, air carriers of third countries shall freely set air fares and air rates for intra-community air services.' Separately, Ryanair said today that it had seen annual earnings tumble 16 per cent after slashing air fares to help boost demand, but revealed prices are to rise as it seeks to return to growth. The budget carrier reported pre-tax profits of €1.78billion (£1.5billion) for the year to March 31, down from €2.13billion (£1.79billion) after average fares fell 7 per cent. Profits after tax were also 16 per cent lower at €1.61billion (£1.35billion). Passenger numbers grew 9 per cent to 200.2million in the year, but the group said it expects growth of just 3 per cent in 2025-26 due to delayed deliveries of Boeing aircraft.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ryanair ordered to make hand luggage change in 'huge win for passengers'
Ryanair has been ordered to refund a passenger £124 after a court ruled hand luggage is essential and should not incur extra fees. The passenger will be reimbursed for hand luggage costs charged on five flights between 2019 and 2024 following the judgement at a Salamanca court that their bags should not have incurred additional fees. The judge based her decision on a 2014 decision by a top European Union court which stated that hand luggage 'must, in principle, be considered an indispensable element of passenger transport and that its carriage cannot, therefore, be subject to a price supplement.' The passenger's claim was backed by Spanish consumer rights organisation Facua. Spanish lawyer Isaac Guijarro, who represented passengers, said of the ruling at the time that it was a 'huge win for travellers everywhere.' READ MORE: HMRC issues warning to 'everyone' in a UK household over five-minute form READ MORE: Aldi issues important statement over food safety concerns READ MORE Met Office warns drastic UK weather shift is coming 'if you were wondering' Guijarro said: "It shows Ryanair can't get away with treating passengers like walking ATMs." Article 97 of Spain's Air Navigation law explains airlines are "obliged to transport not only the passenger, but also, and without charging anything for it, the objects and hand luggage that they carry" with them. "They can only deny boarding of these items for security reasons, linked to the weight or size of the object, but in this case they were typical cabin suitcases' that did not exceed 55x35x25cm," he explained. One passenger reacted on social media: "Good. Ryanair destroyed UK local airline Flybe during Covid when our then government refused to support Flybe because Ryanair complained. Ryanair is a horrid airline in every sense. I will never fly with them." A second said: "I can never forgive Ryanair who abandoned its passengers in Gran canaria when the Icelandic volcano erupted 2010. No help, nothing just smirks from staff. It took a court case to get our money back." "Easy to get round the charge at check-in and then cancel the transaction at the lounge just before you about to board the flight., you might have to to phone your bank if you don't have an online account by the way," another said. Another typed: "That's exactly what I did, and they didn't have any bands for the bag and therefore couldn't give me a receipt, I politely said I'll wait, and the plane missed its take off window, and I know the costs of that, the juice in my case, wasn't worth the squeezing for them."
