EU backs extra luggage fees in airlines

The European Union’s highest court says airlines are allowed to charge passengers an extra fee for checking in luggage.

The Court of Justice ruled that “checked-in baggage cannot be considered to be compulsory or necessary” for carrying passengers, thus granting carriers the right to charge a supplement.

The Luxembourg-based judges found a Spanish law prohibiting such luggage surcharges violates European law because it prohibits airlines from charging for a “complementary service”.

Luggage surcharges coming on top of cheap air fares are common with Europe’s budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.

The 28-nation bloc’s top court said a Spanish consumer protection authority was wrong to fine Vueling Airlines for demanding a luggage surcharge of €40 for a round-trip between Spain and the Netherlands.