Hand Luggage Charges on European Airlines
2nd June 2025
Consumer associations in France are challenging hand luggage charges imposed by several airlines.
Last week, two major consumer associations in France (CLCV and UFC-Que Choisir), joined 12 other European organisations in referring to the European Commission the practices of several European airlines who charge fees to passengers for their hand luggage.
The airlines concerned are Easyjet, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling, Wizzair.
In their complaint the associations point out the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has previously ruled that charging for reasonably sized carry-on luggage is illegal.
The CJEU ruled in 2014 that the carriage of hand luggage cannot be subject to a price surcharge, provided that it meets reasonable requirements in terms of weight and dimensions and complies with the applicable safety requirements.
The unjustified nature of this invoicing has also recently been confirmed in Spain, where the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs fined five airlines €179 million at the end of 2024 for abusive practices.
Faced with numerous consumer complaints, the associations examined the websites of several airlines and it emerged from this analysis that the 7 airlines apply fees for reasonably sized hand luggage, while other companies respect the non-additional cost.
For example, Easyjet charges nearly €43 for a so-called "large" carry-on bag. Volotea charges €23 euros per way for a so-called "large" carry-on bag. Ryanair charges €36 for a so-called "large" carry-on bag. It is also specified in their baggage policy that the prices applied vary according to the distance of the flight.
Above all, the dimensions of the "small" or "large" baggage allowed on board are particularly heterogeneous from one company to another. And some airlines do not hesitate to charge passengers whose luggage does not respect their dimensions, fees that can amount to up to €280 (Vueling baggage policy).
The associations have asked the European Commission to investigate and that where illegal charges are found the airlines be sanctioned.
The associations consider that the harmonisation of the rules on hand baggage would improve transparency and price comparability for passengers and ensure legal certainty.
Related Reading: