Spain fines low-cost airlines more than $160M for ‘abusive’ charges

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Spain hit four low-cost airlines with a historic €150 million ($162 million) fine for abusive practices on Friday, according to the Spanish consumer organization OCU.

The fines are being applied to Ryanair, Easy Jet, Vueling and Volotea.

The airlines are accused of abusive practices for charging extra to reserve seats next to children or other dependent people; charging extra for cabin baggage; a failure to be transparent about the ticket’s final price; and not accepting cash at the airport and on board the airplane.

Ryanair is also being sanctioned for charging clients €20 to print out boarding passes.

Spain’s investigation into these practices began last year.

In response, the Spanish airline association ALA called the fines “disproportionate” and warned they will “harm consumers.”

Spanish broadcaster Cadena Ser reported that the airlines will be able to appeal the fine and are likely to continue with current practices.

The fine represents just 5% of the company’s earnings, all of which have reported record profits, according to Cadena Ser.