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The European Costumer Organisation and 16 other member organisations have filed a complaint to the European Commission after the organsation’s research showed, what is believed to be illegal practices of hand baggage fees.
The European Costumer Organisation and 16 other member organisations have filed a complaint to the European Commission after the organsation’s research showed, what is believed to be illegal practices of hand baggage fees.
What is happening?
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 16 member organisations has filed a complaint to the European Commission and the Consumer Protection authorities’ network (CPC) denouncing seven airlines charging undue fees to consumers for their hand baggage.
Seven well-known airlines
The BEUC has carried out an investigation finding what the organization believes to be unjustified practices of seven airlines regarding luggage fees.
#1 EasyJet
The first airline targeted in the complaint is the British multinational airline group, EasyJet
#2 Norwegian
The second airline targeted is the Norwegian partly state-owned airline Norwegian Air Shuttle, usually just called Norwegian.
#3 Ryanair
The third airline is the Irish ultra low-cost airline, Ryanair.
#4 Transavia
Fourth on the list is the Dutch airline, Transavia Airlines C.V., usually known as Transavia.
#5 Volotea
Fift on the list is the Spanish low-cost airline Volotea.
#6 Vueling
Sixth on the list is another Spanish low-cost airline, Vueling.
#7 Wizz Air
The last on list is the Hungarian ultra low-cost airline, Wizz Air
Calling for investigation
According to a press release from the BEUC, the organization is calling for an EU-wide investigation into the commercial practices of the targeted airlines and the wider sector.
Some background info
IN 2014, the EU Court of Justice ruled that “carriage of hand baggage cannot be made subject to a price supplement, provided that it meets reasonable requirements in terms of its weight and dimensions and complies with applicable security requirements”.
“Today, we are taking action”
Director General of BEUC, Agustïn Reyna, said in a statement:
“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.”
Massive fines
In late 2024, Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU) filed formal complaint to the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights and Consumption who ultimately fined five airlines €179 million for abusive hand baggage practices.