EU Low-Cost Carriers Accused of Illegal Baggage Fees
A coalition of consumer rights organisations in Europe has lodged a complaint with the European Commission and consumer watchdogs, alleging that several low-cost carriers are imposing illegal hand-luggage charges on passengers. According to a report by Travel News, the complaint claims that the baggage fees levied by these airlines are in violation of EU consumer protection laws.
The complaint, which specifically targets seven low-cost carriers – easyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air – alleges that these airlines are exploiting consumers and ignoring a ruling by the EU’s top court. In 2014, the European Court of Justice ruled that hand luggage could not be subject to a surcharge, provided it met “reasonable requirements” in terms of weight and dimensions and complied with the applicable safety requirements. Travel News reports that Agustín Reyna, Director General of the European Consumer Organisation, said: “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.”
The European Consumer Organisation and other consumer groups are arguing that the fees charged by these low-cost carriers contradict the 2014 ruling, alleging that the airlines charge extra for luggage they claim is “oversized” despite being within the size and weight measurements considered reasonable by the EU. Travel News notes that the consumer groups are calling on the European Commission and consumer watchdogs to take action against these airlines, which they claim are ignoring EU consumer protection laws.
This is not the first time these airlines have faced criticism for their baggage fee policies. Last year, the Guardian reported that Spain had fined five of the same airlines – Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Norwegian, and Volotea – for charging passengers for hand luggage and seat reservations. Travel News understands that the fines were imposed in accordance with Spanish consumer protection laws, which are based on EU directives.
The issue of baggage fees has been a contentious one in the airline industry, with many low-cost carriers relying on these fees to generate additional revenue. However, consumer rights organisations argue that these fees are often unfair and lack transparency. Travel News quotes Reyna as saying that the European Consumer Organisation will continue to take action against airlines that exploit consumers and ignore EU consumer protection laws.
As the complaint makes its way through the European Commission and consumer watchdogs, Travel News will continue to provide updates on the developments. In the meantime, passengers are advised to be aware of the baggage fee policies of low-cost carriers and to familiarise themselves with their rights under EU consumer protection laws. According to Travel News, the European Consumer Organisation is urging passengers to contact them if they have been affected by these allegedly illegal baggage fees.
The implications of this complaint are significant, not just for the seven airlines targeted but also for the wider airline industry. If the European Commission and consumer watchdogs rule in favour of the consumer rights organisations, it could lead to a significant overhaul of the baggage fee policies of low-cost carriers across Europe. Travel News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
In conclusion, the complaint lodged by consumer rights organisations against seven low-cost carriers highlights the ongoing issue of allegedly illegal baggage fees in the airline industry. As reported by Travel News, the European Consumer Organisation and other consumer groups are taking action against these airlines, which they claim are exploiting consumers and ignoring EU consumer protection laws. As the situation develops, passengers are advised to remain vigilant and to familiarise themselves with their rights under EU consumer protection laws.
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