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Spain’s consumer watchdog has called for an official investigation into easyJet over claims that passengers are being unfairly charged for checked luggage on both legs of a return journey, even when they only use the service once.

 

Facua-Consumers in Action has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, arguing that the airline’s booking system automatically applies baggage fees to both the outbound and return flights when a suitcase is added, with no option for travellers to select baggage for just one leg.

 

According to Facua, passengers booking through easyJet’s website are offered checked baggage options of 15, 23 or 26 kilos for an additional fee, with the pricing shown as “per flight”. However, the organisation claims this is then automatically applied across the entire return booking.

 

Facua argued that this means customers who only want to check in a suitcase on one part of their trip are effectively forced to pay for a service they do not need on the other leg, describing it as an unnecessary additional cost that cannot be individually removed.

 

The watchdog has asked the ministry to assess whether the practice could amount to an abusive contractual clause under Spanish consumer law.

 

It has also requested that, if the system is found to be in breach of regulations, disciplinary action is taken and easyJet is ordered to change the way it applies baggage charges.

 

In its complaint, Facua referred to Article 97 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2007, which requires companies to clearly present the total price of services before a contract is confirmed, including any additional charges such as transport or delivery fees. It also pointed to Article 82, which defines as abusive any non-negotiated terms that create a significant imbalance between the rights and obligations of consumers and businesses.

 

The complaint comes at a time when Italy’s competition authority has also opened its own investigation into easyJet over possible unfair commercial practices linked to the online purchase of baggage and sports equipment for return flights.

 

In a possible attempt to mollify disgruntled passengers, easyJet has recently announced plans to introduce a new type of pre-reclined aircraft seat across part of its fleet, designed to offer passengers more legroom without reducing seating capacity. The airline said the updated design is expected to provide around five centimetres of extra space, with the aim of improving comfort, particularly on longer routes.

 

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