What’s Happening with easyJet’s Luggage Fees?
Facua‑Consumidores en Acción, a Spanish consumer group, has filed a complaint against easyJet. They say the airline forces passengers who want to check a bag on only one leg of a round‑trip to pay for the service on both the outbound and return flights.
How the Booking Process Works
When you book a flight on easyJet’s website, you can add a checked‑in suitcase (15 kg, 23 kg or 26 kg) by paying an extra fee. The site labels this charge as “per flight.” However, the system automatically adds the fee to both legs of the journey, even if you only need the bag on one way.
Why Facua Thinks It’s Unfair
- Passengers end up paying for a service they didn’t request.
- There’s no option to select luggage for just one leg; the choice is all‑or‑nothing.
- Facua argues this violates consumer rights because the charge isn’t clearly tied to the service actually used.
What the Law Says
The complaint cites two articles from Spain’s Royal Legislative Decree 1/2007:
- Article 97 – Before a distance contract is made, the trader must give the total price, including all charges, in a clear way.
- Article 82 – Any term that isn’t individually negotiated and creates a significant imbalance to the consumer’s detriment, against good faith, is considered an unfair term.
Facua believes easyJet’s automatic double‑charge meets the definition of an unfair term and is asking the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda to investigate.
What Happened in Italy?
The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) recently opened a similar investigation into easyJet. They are looking at whether the airline’s online sale of checked‑luggage and sports‑equipment fees for return flights constitutes an unfair commercial practice.
What Could Happen Next?
If the Spanish ministry agrees with Facua, it could:
- Declare the clause unfair.
- Order easyJet to change its booking system so passengers can pay for luggage only on the legs they need.
- Start disciplinary proceedings against the airline, possibly leading to fines or other penalties.
Why This Matters to Travelers
Being forced to pay for something you don’t use raises the cost of travel unnecessarily. Clear, flexible pricing helps passengers budget better and trust that airlines aren’t adding hidden charges.
Conclusion
The complaint highlights a common frustration: airlines charging for services that aren’t actually used. By challenging easyJet’s “per flight” luggage fee, consumer groups aim to make airline pricing more transparent and fair. Until a decision is made, travelers should double‑check their booking summaries and consider contacting customer service if they only need luggage on one leg of a trip.
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