Wizzair and Transavia, fine from Spain for the additional costs on hand luggage
In November 2024 Spain had already sanctioned, for 179 million euros, Ryanar, Vueling, Easyjet, Norwegian and Volotea. Meanwhile, the organization of European consumers also filed a complaint to the EU Commission
The Spanish government is preparing sanctions against low cost airlines Wizzair and Transavia for the charge of passengers of costs for hand luggage, As he already did towards Ryanar, Vueling, Easyjet, Norwegian and Volotea. The fine had a total value of 179 million euros. This is announced by the Minister of Social Rights, Cons Cons Consumer and Agenda 2023, Paolo Bustinty. « These other two companies are following the same steps as the previous five, » he said while he is in Brussels.
The complaint to the EU Commission
The first fine by Spain came in November 2024 to the detriment of five of these, for collectorand « abusive » supplements, incurring « illegal » practices, Like the payment of hand luggage or the printing of the boarding card. The same procedure – according to the minister’s words – will concern Wizzair and Transavia.
Even the organization of European consumers (Beuc the French acronym) has filed a formal complaint to the European Commission and the European network for the protection of consumers (CPC) against the seven airlines.
Ryanair: « Our policy in accordance with EU rights »
Ryanair replied with a night by claiming that he has « accepted the presentation of this complaint to the European Commission against various airlines, which will confirm that the policy on Ryanair’s luggage has fully conform to EU law that guarantees all EU airlines the freedom to establish prices, including the prices of optional services. Ryanair allows Each passenger to bring a generous hand luggage on board for free (40 x 25 x 20 cm) as part of the basic rate, with the possibility of adding extra luggage at an additional cost, if they want it. This policy favors both low rates and consumers’ choices. If the airlines were forced to include additional hand luggage in the basic rate, this would reduce the choice and increase aerial rates for all passengers, with consequent damage to consumers « .
The Vueling case of 2014
The airline note continues by citing the 2014 ruling of the European Union Court of Justice in the Vueling case: « He confirmed that airlines have the right to charge passengers the transport of additional luggage, provided that the transport of precious and indispensable objects (for example, a small personal baggage) both included in the ticket price. This sentence was issued in the context of the illegal attempts of the Xunta de Galicia to force Vueling to transport all the luggage for free. Numerous courts throughout Europe (and the European Commission) agree that this sentence in case Vueling is definitively establishes that Airlines have the right to charge supplements for the transport of bags from the hold and additional hand luggage, in addition to the free personal hand luggage included in the basic rates. If the Beuc is sincerely worried that consumers are exploited « , because it continues to ignore the rampant damage caused to consumers by the excessive rates applied by the OTAs, which continue to induce unsuspecting consumers to pay unjustified surcharges hidden for flights and ancillary services that cost much less if booked directly on the websites of the airlines? ».
