Budget airlines could be forced to axe baggage fees

PA

The days of paying an extra fee to check in luggage on your flight could soon be over if you're travelling to Spain as the popular holiday destination is preparing to take legal action against airlines charging passengers to travel with a suitcase, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The Malaga public prosecution office if preparing the case against a number of airlines, including budget carriers easyJet, Flybe, Jet2.com and Ryanair, which fly to and from the city.

According to English language newspaper Sur, the office is compiling a list of airlines that charge passengers a fee to check in luggage and issue boarding cards.

The case, which could affect up to 20 airlines, refers to the Air Navigation Law of 1960, which states that airlines are obliged to carry a passenger's luggage as well as the person travelling as part of the flight price.

Over the years, the cost of flying with luggage has changed dramatically. Outside peak travel periods Ryanair charges between £15 and £30 per person per flight, but holidaymakers are currently being charged a temporary fee of £40 per person per flight until the end of September.

Baggage charges for easyJet are up to £31 per person for a return flight, Flybe charges from £10 to £31 depending on the size of the bag and flying with Jet2.com costs travellers an extra £30 to carry luggage.

According to the Telegraph, a study by aviation consultancy IdeaWorksCompany and technology provider Amadeus revealed that Ryanair and easyJet are the highest earners from extras.

What do you think about airlines charging for extras, like luggage? Leave a comment and let us know.

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