2025-06-18 18:36
publication
2025-06-18 18:36
Ryanair's luggage policy is simple and fully in line with EU law – the carrier declared in the PAP commentary, referring to the proceedings conducted by UOKiK. The office examines, among others, how the line measures passenger luggage and charges fees for too large.
On Tuesday, the Office of Competition and Consumer announced the initiation of explanatory proceedings regarding the luggage policies Ryanair and Wizz Air. The office analyzes, among others Contractual provisions related to the conditions of luggage transport, checks what information the customer receives a ticket buyer, what is the baggage measurement procedure and the rules for calculating fees, and what are the consequences for consumers if they do not pay such a fee. The office reminded that, according to the case -law of the CJEU, airlines should not charge an additional fee for “reasonable size and weight of hand luggage”.
“Our luggage policy is simple and fully compatible with EU law – if the luggage fits the luggage sizer (luggage measurement devices – PAP), which is greater than our agreed dimensions, it enters the deck for free. If it does not fit in our sizers, the fee will be charged,” Ryanair informed PAP, referring to the decision of the office.
Ryanair reminded that every passenger can transport a 40x25x20 cm luggage on board free of charge. It can also buy additional hand luggage. “If the airlines were forced to attach additional hand luggage to the basic offer, this would reduce the choice and increase the prices of air tickets for all passengers,” Ryanair said.
The carrier also pointed out that, according to the judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU of 2014 (in the case regarding the VUELing line), the airlines have the right to charge passengers fees for bringing additional luggage to the cabin, if the transport of “valuable and necessary passenger items” (i.e., e.g. a small bag) is included in the ticket price. According to Ryanair, “numerous courts throughout Europe” and the European Commission agree that the airlines have the right to charge fees for the transport of checked baggage and additional hand luggage.
UOKiK in Tuesday's announcement indicated that consumer complaints about, among others luggage measurements by Ryanair and Wizz Aira. “Although recently, the backpack qualified as free hand luggage, now – according to the carrier – does not meet the requirements, and the consumer is charged with an additional payment of several hundred zlotys” – said UOKiK, citing passengers' complaints.
He added that, according to travelers, measurements are carried out “in a hurry” and “without a chance” for re -verification of dimensions or using another measuring device. UOKiK also pointed out that – according to the signals from passengers – the fee can only be paid by payment card, and the refusal to pay results in the consumer not to deck.
If the explanatory proceedings confirm that the rules regarding the transport of hand luggage and charging consumers with fees in the Ryanair and Wizz Air lines may violate consumer rights, the President of UOKiK will start proceedings in the case for recognition of “provisions of contractual templates as not allowed” or proceedings regarding the application of practices violating the collective interests of consumer.
Ryanair, which flies on routes in 37 countries, mainly in Europe, in the years 2024-2025 transported just over 200 million passengers. By 2034, it plans to increase this number to 300 million people.
The Wizz Air line has not commented on the UOKiK decision until it was given this message. (PAP)
(We plan to continue the topic)
BPK/ MMU/
