Irish low-cost giant Ryanair is planning to appeal a decision by Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry¹ to fine a number of European low-cost carriers €179 million ($187 million) over practices such as charging for carry-on luggage.

Five budget airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Norwegian, and Vueling, have been fined a combined €179 million ($187 million) for "abusive" luggage charging practices. According to a statement by the Spanish Consumer Affairs Ministry, airlines violated customer rights when charging for more oversized carry-on luggage, picking seats or boarding pass printouts, and not allowing cash payments at check-in desks or to buy items onboard.

Ryanair was fined the most, €108m, while International Airlines Group's low-cost arm, Vueling, was fined €39m, easyJet €29m, Norwegian €1.6m, and Volotea €1.2m. The Consumer Affairs Ministry first announced the fines in May 2024. Last week, Ministry's Pablo Bustinduy rejected the airlines' appeals against these sanctions, which include prohibiting these companies from continuing to carry out the sanctioned practices.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry added that Ryanair is also sanctioned for a practice whereby users are charged a disproportionate amount for printing their ticket at the terminal when they do not have it.