Belgian consumers association files complaint against four low-cost airlines for illegal luggage surcharges
Testachats/Testaankoop, the Belgian consumer protection organisation, has lodged a formal complaint against Ryanair, Vueling, Wizzair, and EasyJet. The complaint addresses the airlines’ practice of charging passengers additional fees for carrying reasonably sized hand luggage, with surcharges ranging from 8 to 75 euros per bag.
Unfair Commercial Practice
Testachats argues that this practice constitutes an unfair commercial tactic, as it obscures the true cost of tickets, hindering passengers’ ability to compare prices accurately. According to European regulations, airlines must specify the final price to be paid upfront, including all essential elements of the service.
Legal Standpoint
The Court of Justice of the European Union supports this viewpoint, asserting that reasonably sized hand luggage is an essential component of air travel and must be included in the ticket price. Charging extra for such luggage contravenes these regulations.
[via aviation24]
