Spain fines budget airlines E150m over ‘abusive’ cabin bag and seat charges

Budget airlines including easyJet and Ryanair have been hit with fines totalling E150m by the Spanish government for policies that include charging passengers extra for cabin luggage. In the biggest sanction issued by the Spanish government’s ministry of social rights and consumer affairs, the carriers easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling and Volotea have been penalised after an investigation launched last summer. Under the judgment, the four airlines face being banned from charging passengers for cabin luggage in the future. The Spanish news outlet Cadena SER reported that the fines would total E150m, with the airlines also being censured for charging passengers extra fees to reserve adjacent seats for children and other dependents. The Spanish Airline Association (ALA), which represents the airlines, has hit back at the decision, calling the fines “disproportionate”, and pointing out that airlines could still appeal. Ministry sources told the Guardian that the general directorate of consumer affairs had opened up an investigation in June last year after complaints by consumer organisations over “abusive practices” being deployed by the airlines. The investigation focused on four areas, which included charging extra for cabin luggage and seat selection. The government investigation also looked at concerns around a lack of transparency by the airlines over the final price of services when booking online, and the decision to block cash payments at the airport for additional services.<br/>