EU Approves Airline Hand Luggage Fees: Passengers Face Higher Costs

The European Union recently approved a measure allowing airlines to charge passengers for hand luggage, despite opposition from Spain and three other countries. This decision has sparked controversy and concerns among travelers and consumer advocacy groups. Rubén Sánchez, Secretary General of FACUA, criticized the decision, stating, "Legalizing fraud, legalizing practices in which airlines are illegally incurring." He highlighted the impact on passengers who may now face additional costs for what was previously included in their ticket price. Passengers interviewed at the airport expressed frustration and concern about the potential for increased expenses. The minimum compensation for flight delays has also been increased from three to four hours, adding another layer of complexity to air travel. The new regulations, once ratified by the European Parliament, will standardize rules across the EU, eliminating inconsistencies between member states. However, the change is likely to impact passenger budgets and experience.