A4E: EU infringement procedure against Spain

A win for passenger choice on extra cabin luggage

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has consistently maintained that the Spanish government’s measures to strip travellers of the freedom to choose whether they want to pay for extra hand baggage are against EU law.

The European Commission’s decision to open an infringement procedure against Spain upholds airlines’ right to set fair and transparent prices under the Air Services Regulation, benefiting consumers who can decide which services they want to pay for.

All A4E member airlines already include one piece of hand baggage in their basic airfare, in line with ECJ ruling in case C-487/12 (the Vueling ruling). More than 50 million passengers who flew to Spain last year decided that one piece at no extra cost was enough for them. The EU infringement proceedings launched yesterday confirm that this practice is legal and ensure clarity and choice for Europe’s passengers.

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Brussels, Belgium, 10/08/2025 15:16
AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency

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