Spain fines four low-cost airlines with €150m for charging passengers for hand luggage

Spain’s consumer affairs ministry has fined four low-cost airlines for excessive charges, including extra for passengers to carry on hand luggage. 

The fines amount to more than €150 million to Ryanair, Vueling, Volotea, and Easyjet for asking travelers to pay extra to add a piece of hand luggage to their flight, according to Spanish radio station Cadena SER. 

Consumer organizations had been filing several complaints for years, and it was after such complaints that the Spanish government started an investigation into the four airlines, as some of these practices could be considered "abusive."

Aside from charging for carry-on bags, the four low-cost airlines are also being fined for adding extra costs for travelers booking side-by-side seats for minors and those with special needs, as well as lack of transparency as the final ticket cost tends to be higher than first announced, and for not allowing to pay in cash in the airport for these services or similar extras.

Airlines can appeal the decision to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, and once the administrative appeal process is over, they can appeal the decision to the courts.

Sources in the ministry say they are well aware that they need to "ensure the law is complied with, guarantee the rights of consumers, and offer the same guarantees to those airlines affected."