Overview

• The Salamanca Court ruled that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel and cannot incur extra fees, citing a 2014 European Court of Justice precedent.
• Ryanair was ordered to refund a passenger £124 for hand luggage fees charged across five trips from 2019 to 2024.
• The decision may prompt airlines to integrate cabin bag allowances into base ticket prices, potentially increasing overall fares.
• Legal experts predict the ruling could inspire similar challenges in the UK and influence airline policies across Europe.
• Ryanair maintains it complies with EU law, allowing a small personal bag in its basic fare and offering additional luggage options for a fee.