Spain fines budget airlines for 'abusive' fees on cabin bag and seat charges

Authorities in Spain fined budget airlines a total of 150 million euros for charging extra fees for cabin luggage. Consumer groups fought against these charges for six years. The fines challenge the business models of budget airlines, which offer low ticket prices but charge extra for services like larger carry-on bags. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry fined the airlines for violating customer rights by charging for larger carry-on luggage, seat selection, and boarding pass printouts. The ministry's investigation began in 2023. The fines could impact up to 50 million passengers who only travel with a small bag under their seat. The airlines' industry group criticized the fines, saying they violate the European Union's rules. The group may appeal the decision. The success of budget airlines offering low ticket prices has led traditional airlines to stop providing free services like food and entertainment on short flights. Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair were fined by the Spanish government for charging passengers extra for cabin luggage. The airlines may be banned from charging for cabin luggage in the future. The Spanish Airline Association called the fines disproportionate and said airlines could appeal. The ministry did not confirm the exact amounts each airline must pay. The fines were welcomed by consumer groups who had campaigned against these practices for six years. The ministry deemed the airlines' practices illegal, including charging for choosing seats and not accepting cash payments at airports. Passengers were also charged for printing boarding passes, which was considered an unreasonable fee. The airlines can appeal the decision with the ministry and in Spanish courts. Despite a 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice stating that hand baggage should not incur additional charges, many airlines still charge for cabin luggage. The ministry criticized the airlines for confusing online price structures and for practices that could harm vulnerable passengers.