Low-cost flights The Spanish Government fined some airlines, like easyJet and Ryanair, almost €150 million because they charged extra for things like carry-on baggage and seat reservations.
The move is the worst punishment the Spanish government has ever given to the industry, and the carriers could be banned from charging extra fees in the future.
Spain’s General Office (GD) of Consumer Affairs started an investigation into extra fees last year. They wanted to find out why airlines could charge extra just for booking seats next to each other, which was seen as unfair.
The GD also examined the opaque booking process and how airlines made it impossible to pay with cash at airports.
People also said that Ryanair was unfair because it costs €20 to print out a paper ticket at the airport.
The Asociación de Líneas Aéreas (ALA), which is made up of most of the airlines that carry passengers from Spain, said in a statement, “By making this practice legal, passengers would not be able to choose to pay only for essential services and would have to pay for the cabin baggage transport service even if they don’t need it.”
The major person who will lose out because of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030’s actions is the consumer in the European single market and the freedom of tariffs made possible by European law. He also said that the choice could still be in court.
Because of what was found, Spanish companies Volotea and Vueling were also fined.
