Just days after the European Parliament announced plans to make cabin luggage free for all passengers, the High Court in Spain has frozen fines issued to low-cost airlines Ryanair and Norwegian over their hand luggage charges.
The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs had fined Ryanair €107.8 million and Norwegian €1.6 million, claiming the airlines’ policies on charging for hand luggage violated consumer rights. The fines were part of a wider crackdown that included three other airlines, totalling €179 million in fines.
However, the High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) has now agreed to suspend the penalties as a precautionary measure. This means that Ryanair, Norwegian, and the other affected airlines can continue with their current baggage policies, which often require passengers to pay extra for cabin bags, while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The court’s decision comes amid ongoing debate about baggage fees across Europe. The European Parliament recently backed changes to EU rules that would guarantee free cabin luggage for all passengers, a move welcomed by travellers.
The Spanish Association of Airlines (ALA) has criticised the Ministry’s fines, arguing that such measures limit consumer choice and disrupt fair competition in the EU’s single market. “It’s about offering different service models at different price points,” the association stated.
For now, passengers flying with Ryanair, Norwegian, or similar budget airlines should be aware that current baggage charges still apply, at least until a final court decision is made.
