A court in Salamanca recently decided that Ryanair illegally applied additional fees for hand luggage, considered indispensable in air transport. A passenger will be compensated for the costs charged on five flights between 2019 and 2024, by a decision that reaffirms the protection of consumers in the face of the restrictive policies of low-cost companies.
The notion of free hand luggage, radically resized in recent years shutterstock photo
The sentence is based on a 2014 decision of the European Court of Justice, which states that hand luggage “It must, in principle, considered an indispensable element of passenger transport, and its transport cannot be subject to an additional tax.”
The complaint was supported by Facua, a Spanish organization for the protection of consumer rights, which recently obtained several legal victories in favor of passengers.
This is the latest stage in a lasting conflict between Spanish authorities and low-cost airlines, which carry millions of tourists annually to various destinations around the world, according to the Daily Mail.
Compensated for lack of information on the cost of hand luggage
In October 2024, Ryanair was fined and obliged to pay the legal expenses for two other passengers who had not been clearly informed about the additional costs at the time of purchasing the tickets by plane.
The two passengers, who flew with Ryanair in four races, complained that, at check-in, the company asked for 96 euros for “Hand luggage”.
Spanish lawyer Isaac Guijarro, who represented it, said that the decision represents “A huge victory for travelers from all over the world”: “It is a proof that Ryanair cannot treat passengers as ambulance ATMs.”
The defense was based on Article 97 of the Air Navigation Law in Spain, which stipulates that the air operators are
“Forced to carry not only the passenger in the planebut, without additional costs, the objects and hand luggage it has on it. “
Luggage Dimensions: Between the legal standards and the restrictive rules of low-cost companies
“The refusal to embark on these objects can only be justified for security reasons, related to the weight or dimensions of the luggage – but, in this case, it was about standard cab trollers, which did not exceed the dimensions of 55x35x25 cm”the lawyer explained.
He added that Ryanair ignored the previous complaints and requests, and his clients had no option than to address the court, “Conscious of the discouragement with which most passengers usually face.”
The Spanish Court concluded that Ryanair has shown “negligence” forcing the applicants to appeal to justice and ordered the operator to bear the costs.
Although the lawyer stressed that the luggage in question complied with the standard dimensions of 55x35x25 cm, it is important to note that, in reality, most low-cost airlines-including Ryanair-require much more restrictive dimensions for the hand luggage included in the ticket price. Thus, the limits accepted for free personal luggage are, on average, about 40x20x25 cm (although aviation experts mention other values). For larger luggage, which exceed these dimensions, passengers are obliged either to pay additional taxes or to purchase special services on the plane.
This discrepancy between the dimensions “standard” invoked in defense and the strict rules officially displayed often create confusion and dissatisfaction among travelers.
How Ryanair turned hand luggage into a millions business
Since 2019, a Spanish court has established that Ryanair policy of charging fee for hand luggage is “Abusive” And that it can no longer be applied on the territory of Spain.
However, the airline, which introduced this rule in 2018 and has won millions of euros from the first year, refused to modify it. Then, the company changed the rules of the game, drastically reducing the size of the free hand luggage from 55x40x20 cm to only 40x20x25 cm. This movement, meant to increase additional income, has aroused waves of dissatisfaction and processes among passengers, and other low-cost companies followed the example, turning their hand luggage into a frequent reason for disputes and confusion.
Although the judges often gave justice to the passengers, few went to court, discouraged by the high costs and the long duration of processes.
Hand luggage dispute between abusive and legal: Madrid vs. Brussels
The position of the airlines and the Association of Airlines in Spain (ALA) is that hand luggage taxation is legal, being supported by the European Union legislation. This provides that:
“Community air carriers and, based on the principle of reciprocity, those in third countries can freely set rates and prices for air services within the European Union.”
Aviation experts warn that in order to avoid additional costs, passengers should be limited to a single -size luggage – a maximum of 33x25x15 cm, ie smaller than a standard laptop. This is the only safe option included for free by most low-cost companies.
It is no wonder that many passengers are surprised to discover how small the size accepted for free. And it is not their fault: information is often hidden in terms and conditions, and the marketing of companies creates the impression that “Hand luggage”
It is included, when in reality it is just a tiny personal luggage – a small backpack or a bag that fits under the chair.
The notion of “Free hand luggage” It has been practically radically resized in recent years, and many passengers discover this only at the airport, when it is too late and have to pay additional taxes. It is a well-known tactic for increasing the revenue of low-cost companies.
In an official reaction, Ryanair said: however: “Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous personal luggage (40x25x20 cm) included in the basic tariff, with the option to add additional luggage for a fee, if they want. This policy supports both the low rates and the freedom of consumers’ choice, respecting the European legislation – as they confirmed several courts, Onntinyent, Sevilla and Madrid”.
Conclusion
So, before making your luggage, check the airline rules carefully-the dimensions allowed for hand luggage can be much more restrictive than you would expect. A thorough information can exempt you from unexpected taxes and inconvenience at the airport. Travel informed, for the road to start without unpleasant surprises!
