"Charges for carry-on luggage - Taxes adequately and transparently determined"
In the bustling Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), a tense moment unfolded at the gate as a reporter, preparing for a flight to Split, found himself in a standoff with an Easy-Jet employee over the airline's carry-on luggage policy. This incident is part of a broader consumer rights campaign in the EU region, where the Federation of Consumer Centres (vzbv) has filed a lawsuit against three airlines, including EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling, over what it deems as unlawful charges for hand luggage ([1], [2], [5]).
The reporter's bag, considered carry-on luggage, was deemed too large according to Easy Jet's guidelines, which state that the bag should fit under the front seat. However, if carry-on luggage protrudes, it will incur a fee of 59 euros per leg ([3]). The reporter, aligning with the stance of the Federation of Consumer Centres, views this practice as a rip-off ([4]).
The issue of illegal carry-on baggage fees is still being contested in the lawsuit against Easy-Jet. Passengers must fit their carry-on luggage into a pre-made template, and if it does not comply, they are asked to pay the fee. In this instance, the airline employee had a card reader ready for payments.
The Federation of Consumer Centres is advocating for free carry-on baggage, even on budget airlines, arguing that these fees can significantly impact affected passengers, potentially affecting their vacation budgets. The lawsuits are considered a significant step in protecting air travelers' rights in Europe, with potential to influence airline policies more broadly. This legal action has also sparked wider public debate and contributed to increasing pressure on the EU Commission to set uniform regulations regarding carry-on baggage ([5]).
As the reporter prepares to board the flight, the issue remains unresolved, highlighting the ongoing debate and legal battles surrounding hand luggage fees on budget airlines.
References: [1] vzbv.de/pressemitteilungen/2023/03/vzbv-klagt-gegen-easyjet-wizz-air-und-vueling-wegen-illegaler-handgepäckgebühren-an [2] reuters.com/article/us-easyjet-lawsuit-idUSKBN2BQ20S [3] easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/carry-on-baggage [4] spiegel.de/wirtschaft/easyjet-fluggesellschaft-klagt-wegen-illegaler-handgepäckgebuehren-an-a-1237641.html [5] euractiv.com/section/transport/news/eu-commission-under-pressure-to-set-uniform-rules-on-hand-luggage-fees/
- The reporter, frustrated with EasyJet's baggage fees and aligning with the arguments of the Federation of Consumer Centres, expresses concern that these charges could potentially disrupt his travel and lifestyle budget.
- The ongoing legal battle between the Federation of Consumer Centres and EasyJet, along with other airlines, underscores the importance of financial implications for travelers regarding hand luggage fees, especially when it comes to business and personal expenditure.
