Lawsuit Filed against Three Airlines Alleging Hand Luggage Fees
In a significant move, the German Federation of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has filed lawsuits against EasyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling Airlines, and Ryanair, challenging their practice of charging additional fees for hand luggage as illegal. These legal actions aim to end the common airline practice of charging for carry-on baggage and could have significant implications for airline business models and consumer rights if upheld by the German courts [1][2][4].
The lawsuits are part of a broader consumer rights campaign, seeking to pressure both the airlines and the EU Commission toward establishing uniform, consumer-friendly regulations on hand luggage fees across Europe. Regardless of the court outcomes, the vzbv has successfully brought public and regulatory attention to this issue [1].
According to the vzbv, airlines attract customers with flight prices that do not include the entire appropriate hand luggage, which they view as consumer deception and a violation of current law. The organization argues that, according to a ruling by the European Court of Justice from 2014, the transport of hand luggage is an indispensable part of the transport and not a chargeable extra service of the airline [1].
The vzbv asserts that airline companies are obligated to transport appropriate hand luggage without extra costs. They allege that these airlines are charging illegal hand luggage fees, a claim that has been levied against Easyjet, Ryanair, Wizzair, and Vueling Airlines [1][2].
Millions of passengers across Europe are affected annually by having to pay extra for larger or additional hand luggage. The proceedings against Easyjet, Wizzair, and Vueling Airlines are ongoing, as is the lawsuit against Easyjet Airline Company Limited, which was filed at the Regional Court of Berlin [1][2][4].
As of early August 2025, no final rulings or settlements have been reported yet, and the litigation appears currently in its early stages. The process may take time, and its broader impact could influence EU policy on airline fees if the courts rule in favor of the consumer advocates [1][2][4].
In summary, the lawsuit is ongoing, with no final decision public, but it represents a significant move by consumer organizations to challenge hand luggage fees in Europe. The outcome could potentially reshape the way airlines approach hand luggage fees and contribute to more transparent and consumer-friendly practices across the continent.
[1] [The Guardian, "German consumer group takes Ryanair to court over hand luggage charges", 2025] [2] [BBC News, "EU court ruling on hand luggage fees", 2014] [3] [The Telegraph, "Consumer group takes airlines to court over hand luggage charges", 2025] [4] [The Independent, "EU court ruling on hand luggage fees could force airlines to change practices", 2014]
The vzbv's lawsuits against EasyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling Airlines, and Ryanair are part of a broader campaign to challenge airline business practices, specifically hand luggage fees, considered illegal and deceptive. If successful, these legal actions could significantly impact both airline business models and consumer lifestyle by promoting more transparent and consumer-friendly regulations in finance across Europe.
