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MADRID.– The fine of 150 million euros that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has imposed to four low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet and Volotea) for the improper charging of services considered complementary is a watershed in the battle between consumer associations and airlines. The impotence and confusion regarding the rules of each airline are a source of special frustration for the user. Not only is it the largest sanction imposed by the Consumer authorities, but it reflects the discomfort that many users feel.
The ministry concludes that four common airline practices are abusive and are prohibited from now on: charge for reserving adjacent seats to accompany minors or dependent people; charge an extra fee for carry-on luggage; the lack of transparency about the final price of the flight (relative to the price that appears in the offers), and not allowing cash payment at the airport for these services.
The airlines assure that everything will remain the same, at least until the decision is final, which means that until then they can continue charging extra costs, for example, for hand luggage, and that it will not affect the current summer season. They also defend that the sanction violates European regulations on free fare setting and warn of a possible increase in the cost of tickets if these changes are imposed.
The lack of consensus in Europe on these costs is one of the problems facing consumers.
If the practices are considered abusive in four airlines, it is logical that the ban would be extended to the entire sector, although each company can decide what dimensions hand luggage should have on its flights.
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