Ryanair, Easyjet & Co.: Consumer advocates sue airlines over hand luggage fees

The German Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has filed a lawsuit against EasyJet and two other airlines for what it considers "unacceptable" carry-on baggage fees. "Ryanair, EasyJet, and others lure customers with fares that don't include all appropriate carry-on baggage. This is consumer deception and violates applicable law," vzbv board member Ramona Pop told the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung."

Airlines are obligated to carry appropriate hand luggage at no extra cost. "The current standards for hand luggage sizes often applied by airlines contradict EU law," Pop criticized. In fact, the price often only includes a single mini-bag. For larger or additional hand luggage, air travelers have to pay extra.

In a first step, the vzbv issued warnings to numerous airlines, including Ryanair , for this reason. "We have also filed lawsuits against EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling Airlines because, in our view, they are charging inadmissible fees and thus deceiving consumers regarding flight prices," Pop said. She stated that the EU should establish clear standards and dimensions for free hand luggage. Consumers must be protected from cost traps. The vzbv's actions are part of a Europe-wide campaign.

The consumer advocates, according to their own statements, base their argument, among other things, on a 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice. According to this ruling, carrying hand luggage is an essential part of passenger transportation and not an extra service provided by the airline. In the consumer protection agency's view, no surcharge may be charged for hand luggage, provided the weight and dimensions meet reasonable requirements and safety regulations are met.