The government opened a formal probe into seven carriers labeled as low-cost for suspected irregularities in how they charge for carry-on baggage, seat selection on flights, and how their ticket prices are advertised on major online search platforms. Led by the Ministry of Consumption under Alberto Garzón, the inquiry could lead to penalties that reach millions of euros for budget airlines because these practices are frequently criticized by travelers in North America and Europe alike.
The ministry has not disclosed the full list of involved companies. It notes the investigation is at an early stage and urges caution while the process unfolds. “These surveyed airlines together hold more than 30 percent of the market share inside and outside Europe, influencing the travel plans of millions of passengers,” a ministry spokesperson commented.
Consumer advocacy group Facua supports filing complaints about practices under scrutiny, which have drawn attention in recent years. Airlines such as Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Volotea, and Eurowings faced scrutiny, and the Balearic Islands government requested initial analysis by the Ministry of Consumption in coordination with national authorities.
The General Directorate of Inspection and Disciplinary Actions is examining whether the airlines’ practices violate laws that govern charging for services that customers commonly expect to be included in the base fare. The inquiry focuses on charges for cabin baggage, the optional purchase of seats, and similar fees, including situations involving minors or dependents who may rely on specific seating arrangements without extra payments.
Officials from the Department of Consumer Affairs, exercising newly granted enforcement powers against major fraud, are assessing whether these low-cost business practices are abusive or unfair and generally contravene consumer regulations. The inquiry seeks to determine if such practices mislead travelers or exploit gaps in pricing transparency.
No final price on search engines
In parallel, investigators are reviewing whether some carriers engage in unfair competition by splitting prices into segments or presenting the final total too late in the booking flow. The aim is to understand if such segmentation secures a favorable standing on flight comparison sites and across the internet, potentially deceiving passengers about the true cost of travel.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs cautions that the conduct under review could be classified as serious offenses carrying fines ranging from ten thousand to one hundred thousand euros. In some cases, penalties could rise to four to six times the illicit gains or up to four percent of the fraudulent revenue if these practices are normalized across the EU market. The evaluation considers alignment with broader European Union standards and the impact on travelers searching for transparent pricing online. [Citation: Ministerio de Consumo] [Citation: Facua] [Citation: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Volotea, Eurowings]