Airlines celebrate EU proceedings against Spain for fines over cabin bag fees

The Airlines Association (ALA) celebrated the European Commission's decision to open an infringement procedure against Spain for fines related to cabin bag fees.

The EU released on Tuesday a request for Spain to bring national legislation fully in line with EU law on air services, as the European legislation "provides for airlines' freedom to set their prices."

The commission says that Spain's national air navigation law does not allow airlines to subject the carriage of any hand luggage to an additional charge, "restricting airlines' freedom to set prices and to differentiate" between a service that includes the right to an increased cabin baggage allowance, and a service that does not offer that possibility and merely provides the smaller allowance which constitutes a necessary aspect of carriage.

Spain had previously issued several fines to five airlines for their policy, totaling €179 million, to Ryanair, Vueling, Norwegian, Easyjet, and Volotea.

As the fines are based on Spanish legislation, the European Commission understands that the penalties "infringe" EU law, which is why it is sending a letter of formal notice to Spain.

Spanish authorities have two months to respond and address the doubts raised by EU authorities, to avoid facing the commission in court.

Spain's ALA association celebrated that the Commission "backed them" after the country's consumer affairs ministry issued fines.

ALA claims Spanish authorities had "questioned" their position, and the commission's letter confirms their freedom to charge handbag fees.

"We happily welcome the resolution that confirms these practices are legal," Javier Gándara, president of the ALA association, said.