In a significant victory for air travellers, a Spanish court in Salamanca has ruled that Ryanair’s hand luggage fees are unlawful.
The court ordered the low-cost airline to refund a passenger approximately €147 ($165) for baggage charges on five flights between 2019 and 2024.
This decision could reshape how budget airlines operate in Spain and beyond. It also highlights growing scrutiny of Ryanair’s pricing practices.
Spanish Court Ruling Against Ryanair
The Salamanca court found that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel. Passengers should not face extra fees for carrying a standard carry-on bag.
This aligns with a 2014 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The CJEU stated that hand luggage is an “indispensable element” of air travel. As such, it cannot therefore be subject to additional charges.
The Spanish consumer rights group Facua supported the case. Facua has a track record of challenging similar fees by low-cost carriers.
Ryanair, however, defends its policy. The airline allows a free personal bag (40x25x20 cm) but charges for larger or additional bags.
Ryanair argues this complies with EU Regulation 1008/2008, which permits airlines to set their own pricing. The airline claims its model keeps base fares low and gives passengers choice. Despite this, the Salamanca ruling challenges the legality of these airline fees in Spain.
A Pattern of Legal Challenges
This is not the first time Ryanair has faced legal pushback in Spain. In 2019, a Madrid court called Ryanair’s hand luggage fees “abusive” and ordered a €20 refund to a passenger.
The court also declared the policy null and void in Spain. More recently, in November 2024, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry fined Ryanair and other budget airlines €179 million ($187 million).
Ryanair’s share was €108 million. The fines targeted practices like charging for larger cabin bags, seat selection, and boarding pass printing.
Ryanair has appealed these fines. The airline points to other Spanish courts, such as those in Coruña, Segovia, and Madrid, that have upheld its policies.
However, the latest Salamanca court ruling may now inspire more passengers to file claims. Facua advises travellers to keep booking records to support potential reimbursement cases.
Legal processes can be costly and time-consuming, but a precedent case has now been set.
The Significance for Passengers and Airlines
The Salamanca decision on Ryanair baggage fees could disrupt the carrier’s unbundled pricing model. If baggage fees are restricted, airlines may raise base fares to offset losses.
This could affect the affordability of budget travel. For passengers, the ruling offers hope for refunds but also uncertainty. Claiming reimbursements requires navigating legal hurdles, which may deter some travellers.
The ruling also signals stricter regulation of low-cost carriers in Spain. Other airlines with similar baggage policies may face scrutiny.
Passengers should stay informed and retain proof of payment for any baggage fees. As legal challenges mount, the debate over fair airline pricing continues to evolve.
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