Consumer Groups urge EU to crack down on airlines over excessive baggage fees

Sixteen European consumer advocacy groups are calling on the European Union to take decisive action against seven low-cost airlines over what they describe as unfair and illegal baggage fee practices.

The airlines under scrutiny are easyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air. These carriers, consumer advocates say, are misleading passengers and creating unnecessary confusion and stress during the check-in process by imposing extra charges for hand luggage, according to DW.COM

According to the European Consumer Organization (BEUC), these practices violate EU consumer protection laws. “BEUC and 16 member organizations from 12 countries have reported these unfair hand baggage policies to the relevant authorities,” the group said in a joint statement. “Our legal assessment shows these actions breach EU law.”

The complaint, filed with the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC Network), claims that passengers are often forced to pay as much as €280 ($315) extra simply to bring carry-on luggage that exceeds airline-imposed size restrictions. BEUC emphasized that basic luggage allowances should be included in the ticket price and that the current approach exploits consumers.

In response, Ryanair issued a statement welcoming the investigation, claiming it will ultimately prove that the airline’s baggage policy is in line with EU law. “EU law allows airlines the freedom to set prices, including optional services,” the statement said.

Norwegian Airlines also defended its policies, stating, “Our baggage fees are essential for managing weight, limited onboard space, and ensuring passenger safety and punctuality.”
Volotea and Transavia directed media to a joint response from Airlines for Europe (A4E), an industry group. A4E argued that the proposed regulatory changes would reduce passenger choice and force all travelers to pay for services they may not need.

As the debate over transparency and consumer rights continues, the BEUC and its allies are urging the EU to investigate and impose penalties where necessary to ensure fair treatment for all airline passengers.