20-05-2025
Ryanair court ruling could mean end of cheap flights to Spain, expert warns
The ruling in Spain could make it inevitable that companies operating in the country will include all standard cabin bags within the normal ticket price - but it could have wider implications for flights from the UK
Holidaymakers dreaming of cheap flights to Spain might need to think again after a landmark court ruling in Salamanca, which seems like a victory for those burdened with hefty baggage fees, could actually lead to pricier tickets.
Ryanair has been told by the Spanish court to reimburse a customer £124 for hand luggage fees imposed on five flights from 2019 to 2024. The judges ruled that carrying hand luggage is an integral part of air travel and should not incur extra charges.
Yet, this apparent win for consumers may backfire, as aviation specialists suggest airlines will now opt for higher "all-inclusive" fares.
The verdict implies that carriers in Spain will likely roll standard cabin bag costs into the overall ticket price. Aviation solicitor Kevin Bodley, from Steele Raymond LLP Solicitors, highlighted the "potentially significant" impact of the decision on UK law and airline practices.
This legal stance stems from a 2014 European Court of Justice judgement reported by the Mail, which determined that cabin bags are essential to passenger transport and cannot be subject to additional fees.
Despite this, some airlines have persisted in charging for larger luggage while offering small cabin bags at no cost. Following the Salamanca court's decision, these policies may now come under scrutiny.
Legal challenges over passenger baggage fees may well impact English courts, potentially altering airline policies across the country, an aviation solicitor has said.
Kevin Bodley informed the Mail: "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."
He explained that this Spanish court ruling wasn't just about refunds but could overhaul how international air carriers adapt their policies for flights to Spain.
Mr Bodley said: "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."
He noted that many customers have long suspected that airlines employ stringent baggage rules to "maximise revenue" and this verdict could "force budget airlines to become more transparent in their marketing and pricing,".
Further to this, he mentioned: "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."
In Spain, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' tough stance on budget airlines could lead to a surge in refund lawsuits.
The aviation expert commented: "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."
Mr Bodley described the ruling as a "pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between budget airlines and passenger rights advocates."
He concluded his analysis by stating: "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."
However, within the wider European Union, this court decision is unlikely to have immediate legal repercussions due to the "supremacy principle," of EU member states' laws taking precedence within the bloc's legal framework.
A Ryanair spokesperson insisted the company follows Spanish law, saying: "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."
