Overview

• The European Commission on Oct. 8 sent a letter of formal notice to Madrid, opening infringement proceedings and giving Spain two months to respond.
• Commission officials argue EU air-services law allows price freedom for larger or heavier cabin bags, whereas Spain forbids any surcharge for hand luggage.
• Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry in 2024 fined Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Norwegian and Volotea a total of €179 million for practices including cabin-bag fees.
• Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy criticized the move and said Spain will defend its measures before EU judges.
• A Spanish court in June suspended enforcement of the fines, allowing airlines to maintain existing baggage-fee policies pending a final decision.