The Consumers and Users Organization Warns About Hand Luggage Fees During August Holidays
The Consumers and Users Organization, known as OCU, issued a warning on Monday that aligns with the start of the August holiday period. The core message is clear: most airlines are not allowed to charge additional fees for hand luggage when the ticket already includes a hand luggage allowance of up to 10 kilograms. This clarification aims to protect travelers who expect their cabin bags to be part of the standard fare rather than a separate, hidden charge. The advisory stresses that consumers should be aware of their rights and ready to assert them if an airline attempts to impose unauthorised fees on carry on luggage. The call to action is for passengers who encounter such charges to file a claim with the appropriate consumer authority in their autonomous community. This approach underlines a broader commitment to fair treatment for travelers during peak travel times when the temptation for extra charges can be high.
In its public note, the OCU emphasizes that the issue is not a new one. It recalls a judicial decision more than two years ago where a court rejected cabin baggage policies put in place by several carriers. The organization points to a subsequent ruling by Madrid Commercial Court No. 1 that reaffirmed the stance against such practices, reinforcing passengers’ expectations of what is included in their ticket. The repeated legal scrutiny helps ensure that travellers know they are carrying rights that protect them from surprise levies on basic travel items.
The legal interpretation clarifies what counts as hand luggage. The ruling makes clear that hand luggage is not limited to small wallets or bags that fit under the seat. It also covers small, lightly used suitcases that travelers may bring into the cabin and place in overhead compartments. This broader understanding ensures that a wider range of common items carried by passengers fall within the free carry-on allowance and cannot be arbitrarily charged as an added expense. The intent is to preserve a straightforward and transparent policy for cabin belongings, reducing friction at the boarding gate and helping to prevent overcharging at the point of sale.
The court further confirms that passengers are protected by the applicable Air Navigation Act. This act includes items brought by the traveller, even items purchased at airports, provided they are within the stated weight limit. The decision reiterates that up to 10 kilograms of hand luggage should be considered part of the ticket price and carried without incurring extra costs. This interpretation aligns with a consumer-friendly framework intended to minimize last-minute disputes on what can be carried into the cabin. The ruling aims to give travellers confidence that basic personal items do not become unexpected costs simply because they are adjusted to fit cabin space. The accountability for any exceptions remains with the airline, and when exceptions are necessary for safety or security reasons, the policy must be applied consistently and clearly.
Finally, the ruling makes explicit that items carried onto the plane should not be subjected to additional fees based solely on weight or size. If an item exceeds the allowed limits, or if a carrier claims a restriction based on security concerns, the airline may apply the standard charges associated with excess baggage. These charges should be clearly listed by the company, allowing travelers to anticipate any potential costs before reaching the boarding gate. The overarching message is that a transparent, predictable framework benefits both travellers and carriers, reducing misunderstandings and creating a smoother travel experience during busy travel periods. The ongoing emphasis from consumer advocates and courts is to maintain consumer-friendly norms in air travel and to deter practices that erode trust at the moment of departure.