The Consumers and Users Association, known as OCU, has raised a formal complaint against Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Europa, Iberojet, Plus Ultra, Volotea, Wamos Air, and World2fly. The dispute was presented before the Consumption Headquarters located in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Madrid. The central issue is the airlines’ policy of not accepting cash payments for services provided on board. In a bid to shield travelers, the OCU argues that cash should remain a valid method of payment for in-flight purchases, a stance that directly touches on consumer rights while addressing practical needs of airline passengers.
The OCU’s press release highlights a legal shift under the General Law on Defense of Consumers and Users. The amended statute classifies the refusal to accept cash as a form of non-payment and, consequently, as a potential violation in consumer matters. This change went into effect in May 2022, marking a significant regulatory stance that supports travelers who rely on cash for onboard transactions. The organization emphasizes that this adjustment aligns with contemporary consumer protection aims and reinforces the principle that payment options should be accessible to all passengers, including those who may not carry or prefer electronic payments.
From the OCU’s perspective, there is no longer a health or safety justification to restrict cash usage, particularly in scenarios where a passenger might be uniquely vulnerable or have limited access to digital payment methods on board. This justification is seen as outdated and unnecessary in the context of a modern travel experience. The association argues that the obligation to honor cash payments remains essential to avoid discrimination or exclusion, ensuring that every passenger can complete necessary purchases during a flight without barriers.
The OCU maintains its position that cash payment options must persist. The statement describes any deviation from this requirement as inconsistent with current regulations and good business practices. In October 2022, the eight airlines named in the complaint were formally urged to revoke their cashless policy. The request, however, did not receive a response, prompting the OCU to escalate the matter.
As a result, the organization has turned to consumer authorities to pursue disciplinary measures and, if warranted, the imposition of fines. The penalties proposed range from relatively modest sums to substantial sanctions, potentially reaching substantial monetary levels depending on the severity of the violation and the specific circumstances of each case. The OCU underscores that, in cases where airline passengers cannot be adequately served by any alternative means while on board, authorities may determine a more severe course of action.
The organization stresses that protecting passenger needs is paramount when decisions on payment methods occur on aircraft. If a regulator assesses that the needs of travelers inside the cabin cannot be met through other payment options, the violation could be deemed serious, justifying the maximum penalties available under the law. The OCU advocates vigilance to ensure that onboard service standards remain accessible to all travelers, regardless of their preferred payment method, cultural background, or accessibility requirements. Passengers deserve a straightforward, inclusive approach when paying for food, beverages, comfort items, and other onboard services.
In pursuit of fairer practices, the OCU points to the broader implications for consumer protection in air travel. The issue touches on fundamental rights, including the ability to conduct basic transactions and participate in commerce without undue restriction. The association argues that preserving cash as a payment alternative helps maintain consumer trust, particularly for older travelers, people with limited access to digital wallets, or those who prefer not to register payment details for in-flight purchases. The ongoing dialogue with regulators and the airlines involved reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that in-flight experiences are inclusive, transparent, and respectful of all passengers.
Ultimately, the OCU’s action signals a broader precautionary stance toward cashless policies in the aviation sector. While digital payment methods offer convenience and speed, they should not come at the expense of universal access. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how cash transactions are treated in air travel across Spain and potentially influence other jurisdictions in Europe and beyond. The focus remains on safeguarding consumer rights, promoting equitable access to onboard services, and upholding the principle that travelers should not be forced to abandon cash as a viable payment option when flying.