Ryanair Faces Legal Action Over Hand Luggage Fees in EU Consumer Rights Dispute

Based on a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which clearly states that reasonably sized hand luggage is an integral part of air transport service and should not be subject to additional charges, the Belgian Consumer Protection Organization has filed a lawsuit against the low-cost airline Ryanair in the commercial court. These practices are contrary to European laws that require airlines to display the total ticket price from the outset, denounces the organization. Moreover, these fees prevent customers from fairly comparing airline offers and undermine price transparency, which goes against European consumer protection directives, it specifies.

"Transparency in price display is essential, and the consumer must know the real price of the ticket from the beginning, including all additional fees and services," Laura Claes, spokesperson for the Belgian Consumer Protection Organization, told the media, explaining that this legal action is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to protect European consumer rights in the face of what it describes as "price manipulations" practiced by some low-cost airlines.

This is not the first time Ryanair has been accused of violating consumer rights in European and other countries like Morocco. In recent years, the company has faced similar criticism from consumer protection institutions and associations in several European countries. In Morocco, Ryanair’s cancellation of the direct air route between Tangier and Ouarzazate is causing anger. "The suspension of this air route will have negative repercussions on the local economy, reducing the number of tourists and visitors to the region, and will create increased difficulties for people wishing to travel to Tangier," stated the Moroccan Forum for Citizenship and Human Rights Defense.