Friday, November 22, 2024 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strongly criticized the Spanish government’s decision to bypass European law, impose cabin baggage fees on airlines operating in Spain, and fine them a staggering EUR 179 million. This action undermines the core principle of pricing freedom, which has been a cornerstone of consumer choice and market competition, consistently upheld by the European Court of Justice. “This is an outrageous decision.
Rather than protecting consumers, it disregards their right to choice. By banning airlines from charging for cabin bags, the cost will simply be added to the price of every ticket. What’s next? Should hotels charge for breakfast for everyone, or should concert tickets include an automatic coat-check fee? EU law protects the freedom to set prices for a reason, and airlines offer a variety of service options, from all-inclusive packages to budget fares.
The Spanish government’s move is illegal and must be reversed,” stated IATA Director General Willie Walsh. Against Consumer Interests Consumers desire flexibility and value for their money, both of which would be eliminated by this law. A recent independent survey by Savanta, commissioned by IATA, revealed that 97% of Spanish air travelers were satisfied with their last flight and expressed the following preferences: These findings mirror the results of the European Commission’s latest Eurobarometer survey, where 89% of travelers across Europe .
