European consumer groups file complaint against seven European airlines over hidden hand luggage fees

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), together with Belgian member Test Aankoop/Test Achats, has lodged a formal complaint against seven low-cost airlines for charging passengers extra fees for standard hand luggage. The complaint targets Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Vueling, Transavia, Volotea, and Norwegian Air Shuttle, accusing them of deceptive practices that mislead consumers by advertising low base fares while adding significant surcharges for cabin baggage during the booking process.

According to Test Aankoop/Test Achats, travellers often end up paying between €10 and over €70 per person per flight just to bring a small trolley or a second carry-on bag—charges not reflected in the advertised ticket price. The organisation argues that these hidden fees prevent consumers from easily comparing total travel costs between airlines and lead to unfair competition. Some carriers even tie baggage allowances to paid memberships, further complicating transparency.

Consumer groups claim these charges not only violate basic transparency principles but are also unlawful, referencing a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling that bans airlines from charging for hand luggage of reasonable size. BEUC and its member organisations are urging the European Commission to investigate, issue warnings, enforce compliance with EU law, and consider sanctions where necessary. The complaint highlights growing frustration with “drip pricing” tactics that continue to plague the aviation industry despite long-standing consumer protection rules.