Several consumer groups have requested that national watchdogs and the European Commission investigate alleged unjust fees for carry-on baggage enforced by low-cost carriers.
This follows only a few months after Spain penalized five budget airlines for the identical offense.
The most recent complaint asserts that the luggage charges contravene EU consumer protection regulations.
AgustÃn Reyna, who serves as the Director General of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), stated that the airlines are "taking advantage of consumers and disregarding the decision made by the EU’s highest court."
EU consumer protection laws 'are being violated' by hand luggage charges.
The coalition of 15 consumer rights organisations from around Europe has filed the complaint against what they say are abusive and illegal luggage fees levied by low-cost airlines.
The seven carriers that are targeted include EasyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair , Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air remain unchanged as they appear to be proper nouns referring to specific airlines.
"Today, we are taking steps against seven airlines that are mistreating customers and disregarding the decision of the EU's highest court, which stated that imposing charges for appropriately sized carry-on luggage is unlawful," declared Reyna.
The consumer associations contend that the charges for hand luggage go against a decision made over ten years ago by the European Court of Justice.
"In 2014, the European Court of Justice decided that airlines cannot impose an extra fee for carrying hand luggage, as long as it adheres to reasonable weight and size limits and fulfills the necessary safety regulations," they explained.
According to the consumer groups, these budget airlines impose additional fees for baggage they deem as "overdimensional," though such items typically meet the acceptable size and weight standards set by the European Union.
Various carry-on baggage rules can be puzzling for customers.
BEUC indicates that airlines' failure to comply with this legal requirement has led to perplexing and varied procedures throughout the European Union.
This suggests that the inconsistencies in airlines' carry-on baggage rules complicate price comparisons for customers and hinder their ability to make well-informed economic choices.
The complaint was filed several months following the fines imposed by Spanish authorities on five of the same individuals. airlines (excluding Wizz Air and Transavia) €179 million for "abusive practices," such as charges for carry-on baggage.
Ryanair received the highest penalty of €107 million, followed by Vueling with €39 million, and EasyJet at €29 million.
Wizz Air charges the most for ‘hidden fees’
Recently, the financial website Tradingpedia explored the various concealed charges and taxes imposed by European airlines above the standard ticket price.
Their report found that Wizz Air tops the list with airlines’ not-so-obvious fees for a flight, charging a total of £207.93 (€245) for several optional, yet sometimes unavoidable fees such as checked baggage fees, online booking fees, and rescue fees.
Ryanair is in second place, adding £198.58 (€234) to its passengers' bills for the same services besides the cost of the flight. The third spot goes to EasyJet with charges of £180.48 (€213), followed by Vueling which adds £151.20 (€179).
It seems British Airways has the least extra costs at just £64 (€75). Following closely behind with the next lowest fees of £71.53 (€84) altogether is Norwegian. In contrast, Jet2 tends to charge an average fee of £91.50 (€107).
The study revealed, " numerous airlines impose costs for services that seem optional yet frequently prove inevitable," such as what’s known as the rescheduling fee due to a missed flight, group reservation surcharges, and even fees for infants, which can range from £25 (€29). Ryanair and easyJet up to £137 (€162) compared to Vueling."