Wizz Air Joins Ryanair, EasyJet in Spain’s Hand Luggage Fee Probe

On July 2, 2025, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs announced that Wizz Air, a prominent European low-cost carrier, is now under investigation for its cabin luggage fee policies, joining five other budget airlines—Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Volotea, and Norwegian Air—in a broader probe into practices deemed potentially unfair to consumers.

Background: Why Is Spain Investigating Wizz Air?

Spain’s consumer protection watchdog is scrutinizing Wizz Air over practices such as charging extra for larger cabin bags, seat selection, and other ancillary services. The investigation stems from concerns that budget airlines advertise deceptively low base fares that exclude essential services, leading to unexpected costs that can significantly increase the total price of a ticket. Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs argues that these practices may violate the country’s General Law for the Defence of Consumers and Users, particularly regarding transparency and contractual fairness.

In November 2024, Spain fined five other low-cost airlines—Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Volotea, and Norwegian Air—a combined €179 million (£150 million) for similar “abusive” practices, including charging for carry-on luggage and seat selection. A Spanish court temporarily suspended fines for Ryanair, Vueling, and Norwegian pending judicial review, but the investigation into Wizz Air signals Spain’s continued push to regulate budget airline practices.

Consumer groups, such as the Spanish Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) and the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), have long criticized budget airlines for these fees, arguing that basic hand luggage should be included in the ticket price. A 2014 European Court of Justice ruling stated that “reasonably sized” hand baggage should not incur additional fees, but the lack of a clear definition of “reasonable” has allowed airlines to continue charging for larger cabin bags, causing confusion and frustration for passengers.

What Are Wizz Air’s Current Baggage Policies?

Wizz Air, like many budget airlines, operates a low-cost model that keeps base fares low by charging for additional services. Here’s a breakdown of Wizz Air’s baggage policies as of 2025:

• Free Carry-On Allowance: All Wizz Air passengers are entitled to one free carry-on bag, which must fit under the seat and not exceed 40 x 30 x 20 cm (max weight 10 kg). This is typically a small backpack or laptop bag.

• Wizz Priority: Passengers who purchase Wizz Priority (costing €5-€60 online, or €65 at the airport) can bring an additional trolley bag (max 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 10 kg) into the cabin, along with priority boarding and check-in.

• Excess Fees: If a bag exceeds the free allowance dimensions and Wizz Priority wasn’t purchased, passengers face fees starting at €20 at the airport, with potential gate charges up to €80 for oversized bags.

• Checked Baggage: Up to six checked bags are allowed per passenger (max 149 x 119 x 171 cm), with weight options of 10, 20, 26, or 32 kg. Fees range from €20-€198 depending on weight, season, and purchase method (online, call center, or airport).

These policies align with Wizz Air’s low-cost model, which emphasizes flexibility and choice but has drawn scrutiny for adding significant costs to the base fare, especially for travelers needing more than a small personal item.

Are These Charges Legal?

This is a grey area.

Under EU Regulation 1008/2008, airlines must show final prices upfront, including unavoidable charges. However, many low-cost airlines argue that luggage fees are optional extras — a legal loophole Spain is now challenging.

Spain’s consumer protection law, however, argues that carry-on luggage is an essential part of travel and should be included in any standard fare.

Why Is This Investigation Happening Now?

The probe into Wizz Air is part of a broader consumer protection campaign in Spain, driven by complaints from passengers and advocacy groups like FACUA, which has campaigned against “illegal surcharges” since 2018. Spain’s Minister for Consumer Affairs, Pablo Bustinduy, described these practices as a “systemic distortion of the market,” noting that advertised low fares often double once fees for luggage, seat selection, and other services are added.

This investigation also aligns with a wider EU push for reform. In May 2025, BEUC and 15 consumer rights organizations filed a complaint against seven budget airlines, including Wizz Air, for violating EU consumer protection laws by charging for hand luggage. The European Parliament is considering proposals to standardize free underseat baggage sizes, which could impact airlines like Wizz Air if adopted into law.

Implications for UK and EU Travelers

For UK Travelers

• Impact of EU Rules: Although the UK is no longer an EU member, EU-based airlines like Wizz Air (via Wizz Air UK) are subject to EU regulations when operating flights to or from EU destinations. This means UK passengers traveling to EU countries (e.g., Spain, Poland, or Italy) on Wizz Air could benefit from any new EU laws standardizing baggage allowances.

• Current Practices: Wizz Air’s baggage fees apply uniformly across its network, so UK travelers face the same charges as EU passengers. For example, a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm) requires Wizz Priority, costing €5-€60, which can significantly increase the cost of a budget flight.

• Potential Changes: If Spain’s investigation or proposed EU laws lead to a ban on cabin luggage fees, UK travelers could see lower overall costs when flying Wizz Air to EU destinations. However, airlines warn that this might increase base fares, reducing the flexibility to travel light and cheap.

For EU Travelers

• Spain’s Influence: As a major tourism hub, Spain’s aggressive stance on airline fees could pressure other EU countries to follow suit. A Spanish court ruling in 2025 ordered Ryanair to refund a passenger €147 for hand luggage charges, signaling judicial support for consumer rights.

• EU-Wide Reform: The European Parliament’s proposal to standardize free underseat baggage (e.g., 40 x 30 x 20 cm for Wizz Air) could clarify what constitutes “reasonable” hand luggage, potentially forcing Wizz Air to include larger bags in base fares. This would benefit EU travelers by reducing unexpected costs at booking or the gate.

• Risk of Higher Fares: Airlines like Wizz Air argue that free cabin bags would increase base fares for all passengers, as the cost of handling luggage would be spread across tickets, potentially reducing choice for those who travel light.

What Could Happen Next?

The investigation into Wizz Air is ongoing and could take months to conclude. Possible outcomes include:

• Fines: Wizz Air could face fines up to €100 million if found to violate Spain’s consumer laws, similar to the €179 million imposed on other airlines.

• Policy Changes: Spain could ban Wizz Air from charging for larger cabin bags, forcing the airline to include them in base fares or offer them free within certain dimensions.

• Appeals and Delays: Like Ryanair, Vueling, and Norwegian, Wizz Air may appeal any fines, leading to prolonged legal battles. The temporary suspension of earlier fines suggests judicial review could delay enforcement.

• EU-Wide Impact: If the European Parliament adopts proposed rules standardizing free baggage allowances, Wizz Air and other EU-based airlines may need to overhaul their pricing models across all routes, including those involving the UK.

Wizz Air has stated it “complies fully with European and national laws” and will cooperate with the investigation while defending its business model as offering “affordable and flexible travel.” The airline also warned that banning cabin bag fees could “make flying more expensive for millions of travelers” by reducing commercial freedom and customer choice.

How Does This Compare to Other Airlines?

Wizz Air’s policies are similar to those of other budget airlines under investigation:

• Ryanair: Allows a free underseat bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm) but charges £6-£36 for a larger cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm). Gate fees for oversized bags can reach £75.

• easyJet: Offers a free underseat bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) but charges for larger cabin bags, with gate fees up to £48.

• Vueling, Volotea, Norwegian Air: Similar fee structures for cabin bags, with varying dimensions and costs, all under scrutiny by Spain.

The key difference lies in the free bag dimensions (e.g., easyJet’s is more generous than Wizz Air’s), but all these airlines face criticism for adding significant costs through ancillary fees.

Broader Context: EU and Consumer Advocacy

The investigation reflects growing consumer frustration with budget airline practices. A 2025 OCU survey found that 70% of passengers felt misled by online booking platforms due to hidden fees. The BEUC’s complaint against these airlines, including Wizz Air, argues that these fees violate a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling, and consumer groups are pushing for EU-wide legislation to ensure “reasonably sized” hand luggage is free.

What Happens Next?

Spain’s Consumer Ministry is:

• Gathering legal evidence from Wizz Air and other airlines.

• Working with the European Commission and national regulators.

• Potentially preparing to ban separate hand luggage charges or force transparency reforms.

If the Ministry rules against the airlines, we could see pan-European legal changes — similar to earlier moves against hidden booking fees and forced seat allocations.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on publicly available information as of July 1, 2025, including reports from Spain’s Consumer Ministry and reputable news outlets. Airline policies and legal outcomes may change — please refer to official airline websites for the latest updates.

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