August 4, 2025, 12:10 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Some airlines charge extra for carry-on luggage. This is not legal, says the consumer protection agency, and it has now filed lawsuits against several airlines. According to consumer advocates, the airlines are violating EU law.
Consumer Association Calls It Deceptive Practices
The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (Vzbz) has issued warnings to airlines Norwegian Air, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Easyjet, Wizzair, and Vueling Airlines. Additionally, lawsuits have been filed against Easyjet, Wizzair, and Vueling. In a statement from Vzbz, board member Ramona Pop explains: “Ryanair, Easyjet, and others lure with flight prices that do not include all reasonable carry-on luggage. This is deceptive to consumers and violates current law.”
Airlines are obligated to transport reasonable carry-on luggage without extra charges. The current standards for carry-on sizes often set by airlines contradict EU law, Pop further states.
Also of interest: What Airline Employees Earn When They Catch Passengers With Oversized Carry-on Luggage
EU to Ban Extra Fees for Carry-On Luggage! What Airlines Are Saying
Certain ‘standard’ aircraft seats apparently offer more legroom
Carry-On Luggage Is an Essential Part of Transportation
According to the Federation of German Consumer Organizations, the carry-on fees of the seven affected airlines are illegal. This is based on a 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ, Case C-487/12). It states that carrying hand luggage is an essential part of passenger transportation and not an additional service of the airline.
From the perspective of consumer advocates, no surcharge should be demanded for carry-on luggage if the weight and dimensions meet reasonable requirements and safety regulations are fulfilled.
According to the Federation of German Consumer Organizations, these requirements are also met by the carry-on luggage that the warned and sued airlines currently transport only with extra costs.
Consumer Advocates Demand Uniform Standards
The consumer protection agency calls for standards for carry-on luggage. The proposal: Luggage should have a dimension of at least 115 centimeters and a weight of ten kilograms. Additionally, consumer advocates demand that, alongside small carry-on luggage, a reasonably sized and weighted carry-on should be included in the flight price without extra charge.
The action against the airlines is a joint initiative of European consumer organizations. Last year, the European Consumer Organization and 16 national member organizations filed complaints with the EU Commission and European consumer protection authorities regarding the fee practices of the seven airlines.