Airports in turmoil: Consumer advocates demand the end of the hand luggage fees!

Airports in turmoil: Consumer advocates demand the end of the hand luggage fees!

In recent years, many vacationers have increasingly struggled with problems due to too little space in the suitcase and the emergence of extra fees at airlines. Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air are particularly the focus of criticism. Consumer protection organizations are now calling for clear rules for hand luggage fees to clear the wage jungle for travelers. The West reports that in the basic tariff of many airlines only small backpacks, handbags or bags contain are.

passengers who want to take additional hand luggage with them often have to dig deep into the pocket. Ryanair, for example, demands 18 euros for a hand luggage piece with the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Other airlines also charge similar fees, which leads to growing dissatisfaction with travelers. In the context of these fees, the BEUC consumer protection organization together with the German Consumer Center Federal Association (VZBV) submitted a complaint to the EU Commission.

legal situation and consumer protection

This complaint is not only against Ryanair, but also against Easyjet and Wizz Air, and is based on a judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from 2014. This states that no extra costs may apply to hand luggage, as long as the size and weight are "appropriate". The uncertainty about the definition of "appropriate" is sharply criticized by consumer advocates, since the current hand luggage limits are often considered too strict and illegal.

Consumer advocates are calling for an intervention by the EU Commission to regulate or prohibit these fees. The aim is to introduce binding rules for all EU countries in terms of hand luggage. In addition, the ongoing reform of the passenger rights regulation is seen as an excellent opportunity to introduce more precise regulations for the size limits of hand luggage and the services contained in the ticket.

serious consequences for airlines

In order to proceed against the price -political practices of the airlines, punishments of a total of 179 million euros were imposed on Airlines in Spain last year. These punishments are part of a greater effort, transparency and fairness in dealing with passengers. Tagesschau emphasizes that additional fees for hand luggage are raised on many flights, which is rejected by consumers.