A coalition of European consumer organisations has filed a formal complaint against seven low-cost airlines, alleging that their hand luggage fee policies violate EU consumer protection laws. The complaint, lodged with the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), targets EasyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 16 member groups from 12 countries argue that these airlines impose unjustified charges on passengers for carrying hand luggage that meets reasonable size and weight requirements. This practice, they contend, contravenes a 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice, which deemed that hand luggage, provided it complies with safety and size standards, should not incur additional fees.
This legal precedent, established more than a decade ago, has become a cornerstone of consumer rights within the European aviation sector. BEUC says that the airlines’ ongoing fees disregard this legal obligation, leading to widespread confusion and inconsistent practices across the EU.
“Today we are taking action against seven airlines who are exploiting consumers and are ignoring the EU top court who ruled that charging reasonably sized hand baggage is illegal,” said Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC.
National complaints trigger major fines
BEUC’s Spanish member, OCU (Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios), previously brought the issue to national authorities, triggering a significant response. In late 2024, the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights and Consumption fined five budget airlines a total of €179 million for what it described as “abusive hand baggage practices.” Ryanair faced the steepest fine, €107 million, followed by Vueling with €39 million, and EasyJet at €29 million.
Meanwhile, BEUC’s Belgian affiliate, Testachats/Test-Aankoop, filed a similar complaint in May 2024. It later escalated the case by launching a court action specifically against Ryanair, arguing that the airline’s fees contravene both EU and Belgian consumer law. In Portugal, BEUC’s member organisation DECO submitted an equivalent complaint, adding further weight to the calls for EU-wide reform.
A key element of BEUC’s argument is that current disparities in airline luggage policies make it difficult for consumers to compare prices or make informed travel decisions. For example, Ryanair allows only one under-seat bag (40x25x20 cm) without charge, while Brussels Airlines permits a larger cabin bag (55x40x23 cm) as standard.
In response to the complaints, Ryanair insisted its baggage rules are clearly presented during booking and remain optional for consumers. However, BEUC argues that these add-ons are often misleading, presented late in the booking process, or impossible to avoid without paying significantly more.
Calls for EU-wide harmonisation
The coalition’s complaint urges the European Commission to clarify which services must be included in the basic fare. BEUC also calls for harmonised EU rules defining what qualifies as “reasonable” hand luggage, ensuring consistency across all member states and air carriers.
According to a survey conducted by Dutch consumer group Consumentenbond, 86% of passengers believe that both a small item (like a handbag or laptop case) and a small trolley or backpack should be included in the standard ticket price. BEUC contends this view reflects a broader demand for transparency and fairness in airline pricing.
Harmonising these rules could also benefit airports, BEUC notes, by streamlining baggage handling and reducing disputes at boarding gates.
As the European Commission assesses the complaint, the case could set a critical precedent. A positive decision may pave the way for standardised passenger rights and pricing transparency across the European aviation market, with a long-term aim of restoring trust among consumers.
