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IT IS A RIGHT FOR PASSENGERS AND SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO CHARGES, STATE ASSOCIATIONS Several low-cost airlines that travel to and from France are being criticised by European consumer
associations over hand luggage fees. More than a dozen consumer associations, including French UFC-Que Choisir and CLCV have denounced the practice, which sees airlines charge for hand
luggage. These associations belong to the European bureau of consumer rights (Bureau européen des unions de consommateurs, BEUC) and are calling on the European Commission to tighten rules
on the matter. The seven airlines highlighted by the BEUC – Ryanair, easyJet, WizzAir, Volotea, Vueling, Norwegian, and Transavia – are all ‘low-cost’ operators, following a business model
of low base fees with optional extras that require additional payment. Alongside fees for options such as early boarding, hold luggage, and printing physical tickets, this can include
charging for hand luggage – something that European rules state should not be done as long as the bags are of a 'reasonable' size and weight. In addition, associations say the
different charges for this – for example €43 by easyJet or €20 by Vueling for a 'large' piece of cabin luggage – make it difficult for passengers to know the true cost of a ticket
when booking. The definitions of what a 'large' piece refers to also vary significantly, so passengers often struggle to know if their luggage will meet the rules or not. They are
also taking aim at penalties charged for oversized luggage, which can reach €280 with some airlines. The groups have lodged complaints over the issues with the European Commission, as well
as national consumer protection agencies (in France, the DGCCRF). HEFTY FINES ISSUED OVER PRACTICE The BEUC points to a 2014 ruling from the European Court of Justice that states hand
luggage is a “necessary part of passenger transport” and should be included in the base price of a ticket, provided it is of a reasonable size. It wants an investigation in the matter to be
set up against the airlines, and for rules to be reinforced over the size dimensions. In November 2024, Spain fined several low-cost airlines – including some of those listed by the BEUC –
€179 million over hand luggage fees. There was fierce backlash in the industry, including from Ryanair, with the budget carrier calling the fines ‘illegal’. While the BEUC is mostly
looking for a standardisation and reinforcing of the rules, it has not ruled out fines following an investigation.