What to do about baggage fees?

An English language newspaper based in Spain, Sur in English, have reported that the Malaga Prosecution Office is putting together a case for legal action again airlines who they believe charge 'illegally' for baggage fees. 

The basis for their argument lies in a Spanish air navigation law, which states that airlines must carry a passenger's baggage within the price of their flight ticket. The Malaga Prosecution Office have said that they are taking the case following complaints from passengers that the practice, already standard amongst low-cost carriers, is unfair. In a previous post, we looked at notices that have cropped up in several airports (Madrid and Bologna are two I know of!) which tell passengers that all their bags, particularly shopping from the airport, are allowed on board without charge. However, in that case, Ryanair maintain that “Spanish (or other EU) regulation requiring that an air fare include free of charge checked in baggage does not apply to Ryanair flights or ticket contracts”. I'm guessing they will very much be arguing the same thing here too… and I'd hazard a guess that other airlines would say similar.

Malaga's city beach

Interestingly though, the Malaga Prosecution office are also preparing a second case looking at check-in charges saying that seeing as it's an essential part of the journey, it's an unfair additional charge. That one makes sense to me!

And in other baggage charge news…

Wizzing away

Following the start of the Wizz Air trial to charge for large pieces of hand luggage, the airline has said that so far it's looking good. So good in fact that they're planning to extend the charges across its network!

Since the start of the trial on 1 August on the London Luton to Katowice route, they've reported no delays with more passengers choosing to travel lighter and 10% of them spending the €10 to carry on a larger piece of hand luggage.