A Spanish court has ruled that Ryanair must refund a passenger £124 after charging extra for hand luggage, a decision that challenges the airline’s long-standing baggage policy. The ruling delivered by a court in Salamanca determined that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel and should not be subject to additional charges.
Court Deems Hand Luggage Essential
According to GB News, the case was brought by a passenger who was charged for a standard cabin bag that could easily fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. The court found that hand luggage is necessary for carrying personal items such as medication, documents, and valuables during a flight and thus cannot be considered an optional extra. Moreover, this ruling is expected to have implications for how airlines enforce their baggage policies.
History of Legal Challenges
This is not the first time Ryanair’s baggage fees have been called into question. As reported by BBC News, a Madrid court in 2019 described Ryanair’s policy of charging for a 10kg cabin bag as “excessive” and ordered the airline to provide a refund. The court also directed the airline to update its terms and conditions citing unfair commercial practices.
Ryanair’s Response and Policy Stance
Despite these rulings, Ryanair maintains that its fees are legal and in line with EU aviation standards. The airline has referred to the Salamanca verdict as an isolated incident and insists that it will not revise its baggage policy. Currently, the baggage allowance for Ryanair flights includes one small personal item for free with fees applied for additional or larger bags.
Consumer Advocacy and Passenger Rights
Consumer rights groups have praised the decision calling it a win for transparency and fairness in airline pricing. They argue that charging extra for essential items undermines passenger rights. Travelers are encouraged to review the baggage allowance for Ryanair flights and challenge unfair charges when necessary.
