Spain: airlines sanctioned for abusive practices such as charging for carry-on luggage

01-06-24

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has imposed a historic fine of 150 million euros on Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet and Volotea for abusive practices, including charging for hand luggage. These penalties are in response to consumer complaints and also concern additional charges for booking adjacent seats to accompany minors and dependents, lack of contractual transparency and non-acceptance of cash payments. The airlines may appeal the sanction.

The investigation began in the summer of 2023, following multiple complaints from consumer associations. Facua and OCU, two of the main consumer associations in Spain, have celebrated the sanction as a significant victory for the protection of users' rights. Facua pointed out that they had been fighting against these practices for almost six years, while the OCU recalled the numerous complaints filed over the years.

The Directorate General for Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation and sent sanction proposals to the airlines, which had the right to present allegations. Consumo studied the responses and issued a final resolution, which was communicated to the airlines weeks ago. The airlines can now lodge an appeal and, if necessary, go to court.

ALA, the airlines' association, has pointed out that the files are in process and that the affected airlines can still appeal the decision. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs underlines its commitment to ensure compliance with the law and protect consumer rights, offering guarantees to the affected companies.

This decision comes in a broader context of tensions in the airline industry, with the National Court ruling in favor of Air Europa pilots in a dispute with the Ministry of Transport, which could open the door to tougher strikes. Consumer associations Facua and OCU are celebrating the sanctioning of the airlines as a milestone in the defense of users' rights.