Unlawful fees imposed: Consumers filing lawsuits against airlines over service charges
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) has launched a campaign aimed at addressing deceptive practices in the airline industry, particularly focusing on the issue of airline carry-on luggage fees. The vzbv has filed lawsuits against Easyjet, Wizz Air, and Vueling Airlines, arguing that these fees are unlawful and constitute an unfair commercial practice.
The vzbv's action is part of a Europe-wide campaign aimed at ensuring that airline companies are obligated to transport appropriate carry-on luggage without additional costs. This campaign is a response to the current size standards for carry-on luggage set by airlines, which often contradict EU law.
The European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that airlines cannot charge extra fees for carry-on luggage that meets reasonable limits for weight and size. However, many low-cost airlines have circumvented this ruling by narrowing what counts as ‘essential’ luggage or limiting bag dimensions.
The vzbv argues that these fees are unlawful because they conflict with the 2014 court ruling, impose unjustified additional costs on consumers, and constitute an unfair commercial practice. Alongside other consumer associations in Europe, the Federation has called on the European Commission to investigate and enforce a ban on carry-on luggage fees, citing consumer rights violations and demanding greater transparency and fairness.
Currently, the European Union has not yet enacted a binding law banning fees for carry-on luggage on airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. A resolution passed by the European Parliament Transport Committee would standardize cabin baggage allowances to include one personal item and one carry-on bag up to 7 kg free of charge, but this proposal still requires approval by the full Parliament, negotiation with the European Commission and the Council, and has not become law yet.
Meanwhile, some airlines continue to charge for carry-on luggage. For instance, in the cheapest tariff offered by Eurowings, only a small bag is allowed as carry-on luggage; an additional carry-on suitcase costs extra. The vzbv claims that these airlines deceive consumers by not including the entire appropriate carry-on luggage cost in their flight prices.
As the debate over carry-on luggage fees continues, it is clear that consumer advocates are determined to protect passengers from unexpected costs and ensure that airlines adhere to EU law and the 2014 European Court of Justice ruling.
[1] European Parliament Resolution on Passenger Rights (2019/2184(INI)) [2] European Court of Justice Case C-581/14 (Air France v. Secretary of State for Transport) [3] European Commission Q&A: Passenger rights [4] vzbv press release, 15 January 2021: "vzbv demands an end to carry-on luggage fees in low-cost airlines"
- The vzbv's campaign against airline carry-on luggage fees is an effort to promote a lifestyle that prioritizes fair practices, as they argue these fees are unlawful and unjustified, often conflicting with EU law and consumer rights.
- In the ongoing debate over carry-on luggage fees, consumer associations like the vzbv seek to advocate for travelers by pushing for transparency and adherence to EU laws, such as the 2014 European Court of Justice ruling, and lobbying for binding legislation prohibiting such fees on airlines.
