Who hasn't experienced this? You book a cheap flight to Majorca and suddenly the seat selection costs extra, you have to pay for hand luggage and if you have your ticket printed out at the counter, you're practically made to pay. Now the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Protection has called five airlines, including Ryanair and Vueling, to account: a fine of 179 million euros is intended to put an end to dubious practices.
Challenge from Madrid
The penalties affect airlines that regularly fly to Mallorca. Ryanair was hit particularly hard - the Irish low-cost airline has to pay 107 million euros. The reason: the notorious additional charges for hand luggage and horrendous prices for printing tickets. But Vueling (39 million euros), Easyjet (29 million euros), Norwegian (1.6 million euros) and Volotea (1.2 million euros) also got their share.
The ministry accused the airlines of not adhering to the rules: Non-transparent pricing models, additional costs for seats next to children and baggage fees that come as a nasty surprise to many customers.
Objection futile
The airlines had already tried to contest a previous fine of 150 million euros in May - without success. Their only option now is to appeal to the National Court of Justice. But even there, things could get tight: Consumer advocates want the airlines to change their charging practices immediately. A thorn in the side of the industry, which, according to the ALA association, is complaining about "attacks on the free market".
A precedent for Europe?
Spain is the only EU country that explicitly wants to ban such fees. Critics see this as a competitive disadvantage. But from the customer's point of view, this could set a new standard: Flying without hidden costs. "It's high time airlines started focusing on customers again instead of cash registers," commented one industry expert.
What does this mean for Mallorca vacationers?
Anyone wishing to fly to the sunny island could actually benefit from this in future if the regulation is upheld. Ryanair and co. will have no choice but to rethink their pricing policy. Whether this will make ticket prices more transparent - or simply more expensive in the end - remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the discussion about fair air fares will not become any quieter in Spain.
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