A Spanish court has ordered Ryanair to refund €147 ($165) to a passenger for hand luggage charges on five flights between 2019 and 2024, ruling that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel and should not incur additional fees. This decision follows a complaint filed by the passenger through the consumer rights group Facua, which has successfully challenged similar fees in Europe.
The ruling, issued by a court in Salamanca, is based on the 2014 Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) judgment, which established that hand luggage is indispensable for passenger transport and cannot be subject to supplementary charges. This case highlights ongoing legal challenges against airline practices related to additional charges for essential services like carry-on luggage.
Ryanair has defended its policies, citing EU Regulation 1008/2008, which allows airlines to set their own pricing structures. The airline argues that its policy, which permits passengers to carry a small bag for free while charging for larger bags, complies with regulations. However, the ruling signals potential future challenges to similar policies by other low-cost carriers.
This case adds to the growing tension between consumer rights groups and the airline industry, particularly after the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights fined Ryanair and other airlines in 2024 for unfair practices. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has criticized these fines and defended his company’s pricing model.
Source: Swifteradio.com
