According to DECO, the complaint aims to “stop the charging of these fees” and follows the request that the Portuguese consumer protection association had already made to ANAC – National Civil Aviation Authority with the same objective.

“Now, an investigation is being called for at European Union (EU) level into the entire sector,” says DECO, in a press release, where the association explains that “more and more air carriers are requiring passengers who wish to travel with hand luggage to pay a supplement, contrary to what was the practice in the aviation sector for many years.”

easyJet, Norwegian Airlines, Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling, Transavia and Wizzair are the airlines directly targeted in the complaint, since, according to DECO, they apply “fees to each itinerary, varying depending on several factors, such as the route, demand, travel dates, and also depending on whether they are added during the booking process or later, particularly at the airport, in which case the fee can reach €75”.

“DECO considers this charge problematic, which has already led to fines being applied in Spain. In 2024, our Association asked ANAC to intervene, but so far, no action has been taken. Consumers should not pay extra to carry small luggage.”