Germany’s consumer‑protection group, the Federation of Consumer Advice Centres (VZBV), has secured a landmark win in a lawsuit against low‑cost airlines over high hand‑carry fees. The Oberlandesgericht Hamm ruled that Vueling may not permit passengers to carry only one free piece of hand luggage measured 20 × 30 × 40 cm and then charge for every additional item. The decision, reported by the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” in its Monday edition, is seen by the VZBV as a boost just before the start of new EU negotiations on passenger rights.
Under EU law airlines are obliged to transport reasonably sized hand luggage without extra charges. According to VZBV chair Ramona Popp, many carriers violate this by allowing only small bags or backpacks at the basic size and then imposing fees for an extra tote or handbag. When passengers wanted to bring a small handbag in addition, they were often charged.
The VZBV has also filed suits against EasyJet, Eurowings and WizzAir; those cases are still pending. In the Vueling judgment the court referred to hand luggage as an “indispensable component” of transport that may not be subject to surcharges if weight and dimensions meet reasonable requirements. The restriction to a single small item was therefore deemed unlawful.
On Monday Brussels entered a new phase of talks among the European Parliament, the Commission and member states to revise flight‑passenger rights. The governments rejected the Parliament’s initial proposal, citing concerns that the current rules are too vague, create chaos, lead to hidden costs and numerous lawsuits. Low‑cost carriers fear that the model of selling cheap tickets while profiting from baggage fees could be threatened.
VZBV’s chief urges that the law be put into practice: a ticket price should already include a small personal item and a standardised hand bag of at least 115 cm (edge measure) and 10 kg.
