EU Parliament Pursues Ban on Hand Luggage and Seat Allocation Fees

The European Union Parliament has passed a resolution on October 4, advocating for the prohibition of fees related to hand luggage and seat allocation. The resolution aims to standardize airline policies and eliminate hidden costs impacting airfares, urging the European Commission to implement concrete policy measures.

The resolution specifically requests the European Commission to address and eliminate hand luggage price supplements, providing clarity on “reasonable” carry-on baggage weights and dimensions. As part of the ongoing review of the EU Air Services Regulation, the Commission is tasked with tackling issues leading to concealed passenger costs, including seat allocation fees and the complexity of airline offers related to luggage.

In alignment with a European Union Court of Justice ruling from September 18, 2014, lawmakers emphasize that airlines should not impose surcharges for carry-on bags meeting reasonable weight, size, and security requirements. Member states are urged to ensure compliance with this ruling and to disclose hand luggage fees in fare and schedule information for enhanced consumer protection.

Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs initiated an investigation earlier this year into various low-cost carriers over hand luggage fees. The European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions has also recently passed a motion urging EU airlines not to penalize passengers for carrying hand luggage.

In a related development in the United States, Frontier Airlines faces a class-action lawsuit for alleged deceptive practices and bait-and-switch tactics regarding luggage and associated fees. The airline charged a passenger USD 100 for an oversized personal carry-on item, prompting legal action for misleading practices.