Madrid (EFE).- The Association of Airlines (ALA) has asked consumer organizations not to “deceive” customers about the free nature of certain services on flights after the fine imposed by Consumer Affairs on four companies for charging supplements for suitcases or for choosing a seat.
At the ALA General Assembly, its president, Javier Gándara, explained that this fine, if it became final, would make 50 million travelers pay more for services that they do not need when they fly.
Furthermore, he has pointed out that in the best decade in history for commercial aviation – between the years 2010 to 2019 – the airlines’ net margin was barely 3%.
In his opinion, the sanctions violate two key principles such as tariff freedom and consumers’ ability to choose.
Consumption fine for Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet and Volotea
After the imposition of the fine by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet and Volotea, the companies are already working on administrative appeals before the ministry itself, and if negative, they will appeal to the ordinary courts.
Gándara has assured that the airlines are convinced that the courts will end up agreeing with them.
The charging for services that were initially imposed by the ‘low costs’ has been one of the pillars for traveling by plane to go from being a luxury to being an affordable option for millions of people, he has argued.
Therefore, it asks consumer associations to “not deceive” consumers about the free nature of these services.
