Brits may have to say goodbye to a cheap flight to Spain after a landmark court ruling in Salamanca. Budget airline Ryanair has been told by the Spanish court to refund the baggage fees charged on flights five between 2019 and 2024.
The judge ruled that carrying baggage was an integral part of air travel and that no extra fees should be borne. This may seem like a victory for those who have been hit by heavy baggage fees, but in reality, ticket prices can be higher. Aviation experts have suggested that airlines will not opt for higher “all-inclusive fares” instead.
Salamanca's verdict implies that Spanish carriers are likely to move to include standard bag costs across tickets.
Kevin Bodley, aviation lawyer for Steele Raymond LLP Solicitors, highlighted the “potentially significant” impact of decisions on UK law and airline practices.
This comes from a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling, where cabin bags are essential for passenger transport and cannot be covered by additional charges. However, some airlines continue to charge larger packages while smaller cabin bags are less expensive. The court's decisions can confirm that these policies are under scrutiny and have an impact on the policies of UK courts and airlines across the country.
“The central question is whether airlines can justify charging additional fees on basic passenger eligibility to lower the headline fares that consumers claim traditionally include in ticket prices,” Mail said.
“Spain's focus appears to be at least protecting passengers from an additional, less transparent price structure that could lead to unexpected costs.”
He warned that the court's ruling could lead to a complete overhaul of international airline policies for flights to Spain.
“The issues are economically important, businessly important, and unlikely to surrender without a fight.”
Bodley said the verdict “can force budget airlines to be more transparent in marketing and pricing,” noting that a tough stance on budget airlines could lead to a surge in refund litigation as more passengers become aware of their rights.
A Ryanair spokesman argued that the airline would comply with Spanish law, saying, “Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40x25x20cm) personal bag as part of the basic air fare.
“This policy promotes both low fares and consumer choice and is fully compliant with EU law, as supported by recent Spanish court decisions such as Coruña, Segovia, Ontinyent, Seville and Madrid.”
