European low-cost carriers are under increasing pressure as Germanys Federation of Consumer Organisations (vzbv) has filed lawsuits against EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling Airlines, alleging that these companies are unlawfully charging passengers for hand luggage.
According to vzbv President Ramona Pop, the practice is not only misleading but also violates EU law. The controversy centres on how the advertised low ticket prices often only include a very small personal item, such as a small backpack or handbag.
Any larger but still reasonably sized hand luggage incurs an additional fee. Consumer advocates argue this misleads travellers, who only learn about the extra charges at the final stage of the booking process. Vzbv contends that carrying hand luggage should not be considered an extra service but should be included in the ticket price.
The organisations position is backed by a 2014 European Court ruling that declared hand luggage to be an essential part of air travel. As long as the bag complies with size, weight, and safety regulations, airlines are not allowed to impose additional charges.
Photo: Facebook/Debrecen Nemzetk�zi Rep�lQt�r The lawsuit aims not only to hold the three airlines accountable but also to push for stricter EU-wide regulations. Consumer advocates say its time for the EU to establish uniform size standards for hand luggage that can be brought onboard free of charge. Pop emphasised the need to protect passengers from so-called cost traps that airlines use to obscure the true cost of flying.
The issue is gaining momentum at the EU level as well. In June, the European Parliaments Transport Committee approved a proposal to harmonise baggage size rules across the bloc. Under the proposal, airlines would be required to allow every passenger to carry one personal item (up to 40�30�15 cm) and one small piece of hand luggage (up to 100 cm in total dimensions and 7 kg) onboard at no extra cost.
Airlines have strongly criticised the initiative. They argue that it limits consumer choice and could lead to higher ticket prices over the long run. The budget airline model is built around charging only for services that passengers actually use, the companies argue.
The connection between the lawsuit and proposed EU regulation is clear: consumer groups hope to make free basic hand luggage a legal requirement across all airlines. If the court rules in favour of vzbvs arguments, it could set a precedent with far-reaching impact across Europe.
One of the most contentious issues in air travel is back in the spotlight: what constitutes a basic service, and where is the line between hidden costs and transparent pricing? One thing is certainthe outcome of the lawsuit may reshape the business model of European aviation as we know it.
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