Spain fines budget carriers over cabin bag and seat charges

The Spanish government’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 has fined budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling and Volotea a total of €150 million (£128 million) for policies that include charging passengers extra for cabin luggage.

An investigation was launched last summer after complaints by consumer organisations over “abusive practices” carried out by the budget airlines. Spanish news outlet Cadena SER reported that the fines would total €150 million, marking the government’s biggest ever sanction.

The government also investigated concerns raised about a lack of transparency over the overall price of services for online bookings, and the decision to ban cash payments at the airport for extra services.

A consumer group involved in filing the complaint, Facua, said that it had been campaigning for six years to get the government to intervene.

In a statement, the Spanish airline association ALA, which represents airlines responsible for 85% of air traffic to and from Spain, said that the process was still open, and an appeal could be lodged.

It said: “Sanctioning this practice limits the option to pay only for essential services and would force all passengers to contract the cabin baggage transport service, even if they do not need it.

“The consumer will be the main victim of this interference by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 in the European single market and the freedom of tariffs protected by European law.”

The association also stressed that European legislation recognises airlines’ freedom to set their own fares, with the practice being completely within the law.

Spain recently ended its ‘golden visa’ scheme, following a cabinet meeting on 9 April.