Travelers often brace themselves for unexpected fees when flying with budget airlines, but one charge has recently been put under the spotlight by the courts — fees for bringing hand luggage onboard.
Ryanair, known for its no-frills approach, has just been told by a Spanish court to refund a passenger £124 for such fees, confirming that hand luggage is an essential part of flying and shouldn’t come with extra costs.
The Court’s Clear Stand on Hand Luggage Fees
This ruling from a court in Salamanca isn’t just about one passenger’s refund.
It orders Ryanair to reimburse fees charged on five flights over a five-year period, between 2019 and 2024.
The judge leaned heavily on a 2014 EU court decision which declared that hand luggage is a “must-have” element of air travel and carriers can’t slap on extra charges for it.
Consumer Groups Backing Passengers’ Rights
Spanish consumer rights group Facua supported the passenger’s claim and has played a key role in helping several travelers win similar cases recently.
This latest ruling adds to an ongoing tug-of-war between Spain’s lawmakers and low-cost airlines like Ryanair, which fly millions of Brits to sunny Spanish destinations every year.
A Pattern of Legal Pushback Against Ryanair
This isn’t the first time Ryanair has faced legal challenges over hand luggage fees.
In October, the airline was fined and ordered to cover legal costs for two other customers who were surprised by extra baggage charges at check-in.
Lawyer Isaac Guijarro, representing those passengers, called the ruling a “huge win for travelers everywhere,” criticizing Ryanair for treating passengers like “walking ATMs.”
What the Law Says About Carrying Hand Luggage
Guijarro cited Spain’s Air Navigation law, specifically Article 97, which says airlines must transport passengers’ personal belongings and hand luggage without extra charge — unless security rules come into play, like if a bag is too large or heavy.
In these cases, the passengers’ suitcases were standard cabin size, well within the allowed limits.
Why This Battle Has Been So Tough for Passengers
Despite court rulings since 2019 declaring Ryanair’s hand luggage fees “abusive,” the airline has stuck to its policy, earning millions from these charges.
Many travelers hesitate to take airlines to court because of high legal fees and slow processes, even though the courts have mostly sided with consumers.
Airlines’ Defense and What Travelers Should Know
Ryanair and Spain’s Airline Association argue charging for hand luggage is legal under EU rules, which let airlines freely set fares for intra-EU flights.
Still, aviation experts recommend passengers carry only one small bag (no larger than 33x25x15 cm) to avoid extra fees, since rules vary by airline.
Ryanair’s Official Position
A Ryanair spokesperson defended the policy, saying the airline allows a reasonably sized personal bag (40x25x20 cm) for free and offers optional paid extras.
They claim their approach keeps fares low and offers consumer choice, pointing to other Spanish court rulings that support their policy.
What Comes Next?
This latest ruling adds momentum to the ongoing dispute over hand luggage charges in Spain and across Europe.
Passengers now have more legal backing to challenge fees they believe are unfair, but with Ryanair continuing to hold its ground, travelers should stay informed and plan their packing carefully to avoid surprise charges on their next trip.