Ryanair is reportedly facing “heavy fines in Spain for charging passengers, who have booked flights on the web, extra for checking in luggage”.

Published: 03 Aug 2009

Ryanair is reportedly facing “heavy fines in Spain for charging passengers, who have booked flights on the web, extra for checking in luggage”.

According to a report filed by The Herald, the regional government in the Balearic Islands has started legal proceedings against the airline for making the “hidden” charges, alleging a breach of consumer protection regulations. It reported that the government’s consumer protection department visited airports in Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca. At each, Ryanair was charging passengers who had bought tickets online £17 extra for a boarding card and £17 for each item of luggage checked in. The regional government argues the airline should either state on its website that such charges will be made or stop charging. The authority also argues that extra charges for luggage cannot be imposed below a certain weight.

The local government is taking similar action against the Spanish cheap-flight airline Clickair.

If the legal action is successful, the airlines will each face a fine ranging from £2550 to £255,000.

Read more: hidden charges