This Wednesday, the European Parliament took another step towards banning airlines or some hand luggage fee in the cabin. Although a non-binding natureThe European Parliament approved it by a large majority, as did the petitions committee two weeks ago, criticizing “different policies and restrictions” and demanding that the European Commission explicitly incorporate into the regulations the decision made by the European justice system 9 years ago: hand luggage can be evaluated “an indispensable element” cannot be the subject of a topic “price reinforcement”. They also want another key action: standardize measurements distributing suitcases so that companies can work on equal terms and “unfair accusations of abuse do not arise”.
1. A right with different readings
Carrying hand luggage in the airplane cabin a legally recognized right and also should already be included in the ticket price which the customer pays. This is the general principle. But the truth is that each airline has its own rules regarding the size and characteristics of such luggage. Moreover, there are airlines that choose to charge a fee to board a plane, even though passengers have a right based on their own commercial and fare policies.
The government has recently taken action against several ‘low cost’ companies over this practice. Also, another problem arises when changing airlines for the same trip or making different transfers and disconnections: the criteria are changed and baggage accepted on the plane in one may not be accepted on the other.
Thereupon, a campaign was launched last June by the General Directorate of Consumer Affairs of the same name under the Ministry.or investigating seven low-cost airlines for other allegations of irregularitiesThis eventually resulted in the opening of several files regarding extra costs applied to services traditionally included in the ticket price, such as the reservation of a seat next to another passenger for minors or dependents.
2 Is it legal to charge for hand luggage?
As for hand luggage, no. This is the general principle. Moreover, charging extra for this may also be considered abuse. According to legal experts, such actions andviolate consumer rights. Article 97 of the Air Navigation Law states that “The carrier will be obliged to carry the items and packages carried by the passenger, including items purchased from stores at airports, as hand luggage, free of charge, in the cabin. The rule states that the boarding of these objects and packages on the plane is only possible depending on the weight or size of the object.” and depending on the characteristics of the aircraft, it may be rejected based on security reasons.
The crux of the matter is what each company includes in the carry-on luggage category.which are very different from each other and the conditions they can create are also different from each other. The Airline Association (ALA) is very clear and states that “commercial practices such as charging for baggage in the cabin are completely legal and are protected by European Regulation 1008/2008 establishing the freedom to set fares.”
3. What does justice say?
A decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in 2014: A lawsuit against Vueling found that carry-on luggage should be considered an “indispensable item” in passenger transportation. However, he also stated that this would be the case as long as the luggage in question meets “reasonable requirements” in terms of its weight and dimensions, and therefore its carriage cannot be subject to an additional charge on the price. The issue remains clearly what is considered carry-on and what is not.
4. What solutions are there?
An important precaution is that it is clearly stated in the regulations. Passengers have the right to take their hand luggage on board without any fee or additional charge.. Another important element is to standardize what is and is not accepted as hand luggage in order to ensure equality between airlines and prevent unfair charges to passengers. In any case, Eddie Wison, CEO of Ryanair, one of the companies charging for carry-on luggage, stated harshly: “Neither the European Commission nor the Parliament can expand the space available for luggage on board, so not all passengers will be able to carry a suitcase.” “I can carry it, that’s why it’s paid.”
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.