Spain fines five low-cost airlines €179m for charging hand luggage fees

Spain has imposed sanctions totaling €179 million on five low-cost airlines for "abusive practices." 

Ryanair has received the highest penalty of €107,775,777, followed by Vueling (€39,264,412), Easyjet (€29,094,441), Norwegian (€1,610,001) and Volotea (€1,189,000.99). 

In a statement, Spain's Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda said the abusive practices included charging additional fees for carry-on luggage, charging additional fees for reserving adjacent seats to accompany minors and dependents, not allowing cash payment at Spanish airports, "disproportionate and abusive fees" for printing boarding passes, and "lack of clarity" in published prices. 

The statement also specifies that Ryanair has been penalized for "charging a disproportionate amount" to customers to print their ticket at the terminal. 

After an investigation began in 2023, the ministry, headed by Pablo Bustinduy, has classified the practices as "very serious" violations of consumer regulations, and warns airlines that they cannot continue using these methods. 

In fact, it is the first time that the Spanish government has enforced sanctions classified as very serious in the area of consumer affairs since the ministry acquired sanctioning powers in June 2022. 

The airlines will now appeal the fines as if these practices are not allowed, it would cause "unrepairable" damage. 

To avoid this damage, the airline association will ask for precautionary measures to continue charging for the hand luggage fees.

"50 million passengers fly every year with a cheaper ticket because they are not paying for a check-in bag," Javier Gándara, president of the Airline Association, said in a press conference.

People will now have to "pay for something that they do not want to use, and because of this rule, they will have to pay more and for services they do not want," he added.

"The decision will have an impact on short-term flights and could cause a lack of competitiveness in Spain, and some passengers could choose not to fly to the country because of the extra cost, which could affect not only airlines but also the tourism industry," Gándara said.