In response to media stories, the Spanish authorities has fined 4 low-cost airways a complete of over 150 million euros for charging further for carrying hand baggage and different practices deemed illegal. The businesses affected are Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling and Volotea, state tv broadcaster RTVE and different media reported on Friday, citing the Ministry of Social Rights and Client Safety.
The left-wing authorities confirmed this info, however initially refused to offer any particulars. The media and the Spanish shopper safety affiliation Facua, on whose criticism the ministry had initiated sanction proceedings final summer time, described the punishment as “historic.”
Dispute over hand baggage
The director of authorized and financial affairs on the European Client Organisation (BEUC), Agustín Reyna, spoke of a “robust and welcome sign” from the Spanish authorities. “The unfair coverage of airways concerning hand baggage should cease.” EU-wide requirements for hand baggage rules at the moment are wanted as a way to harmonize the airways’ necessities for shoppers and to alleviate the burden on air travellers, demanded Reyna.
The Spanish affiliation ALA, which says it represents greater than 60 airways working within the EU nation, criticised the choice, which in apply quantities to a ban readily available baggage charges charged by some airways. It will hurt shoppers, particularly “the 50 million passengers who don’t carry hand baggage within the cabin”, stated an announcement. “Passengers are being disadvantaged of the chance to pay for precisely what they want”.
Promoting omitted further prices
The investigations into varied controversial practices had been launched following a number of low-cost airways tightened their hand baggage guidelines. In response to the ministry, this violates Spanish legislation as a result of providers that had been historically included within the ticket worth at the moment are billed individually. And in addition as a result of airways solely discuss with the worth earlier than paying further prices of their ads. The ministry introduced final summer time that the airways may place themselves higher in serps as a result of low costs they provided.
The investigations additionally targeted on different practices which might be thought-regarding to be unlawful. These embody, amongst different issues, the surcharges for seat reservations, particularly for these accompanying minors or individuals in want of help. The ministry’s choice may be appealed. ALA can be not ruling out authorized motion, RTVE reported, citing the airline affiliation.
