Updated 12.50pm
Maltese MEP Alfred Sant has asked the European Commission to probe Ryanair’s baggage policy, which is already being investigated by the Italian competition authority.
He also asked whether the Commission had plans to expand the investigation to other carriers with similar pricing structures.
The Italian Competition Authority announced on September 21 that it was opening an investigation on Ryanair’s policy of charging passengers for carry-on hand luggage. Consumers will be allowed to take with them for free a small, single carry-on bag, such as a purse or laptop case. However, consumers will be charged for a 10kg carry-on hand luggage.
The Italian authority said these items are “an essential element of transport” and therefore, Ryanair and all other carriers, should include the price of the full ticket costs.
The authority has accused Ryanair of unfair commercial practices as this practice distorts the final price of the ticket, and did now allow for a true comparison with airline prices.
Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola agreed with Dr Sant, saying they would join the call for an EU investigation.
Here’s a tweet I don’t write too often: Alfred Sant is right on RyanAir.
— Roberta Metsola MEP (@RobertaMetsola) November 1, 2018
EU law on hidden costs of air tickets is clear- having carry-on luggage is an essential part of travel & this cost should not have to be added on later.
We will join calls for EU investigation. https://t.co/AxAjK0rZNL