Budget airlines and Spanish government in heated dispute
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 9
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 19
The ongoing conflict between Ryanair and the Spanish government underscores the broader tension between budget airlines' business models and regulatory efforts to protect consumers.
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has according to Majorca Daily Bulletin intensified his criticism of Spain's Minister for Social Rights and Consumer Affairs, Pablo Bustinduy, following the imposition of substantial fines on several low-cost airlines, including Ryanair, for what the ministry deems «abusive practices.» These practices involve charging passengers for carry-on luggage and seat reservations.
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–More passengers that voters
In a recent statement, O'Leary highlighted that Ryanair serves significantly more passengers than the number of voters who supported Bustinduy's political party, Sumar, in the Spanish elections.
–Ryanair has 20 times more passengers than the three million who voted for Mr. Bustinduy and his party Sumar in the Spanish elections. Twenty times more Spaniards support Ryanair than the mad minister Bustinduy and his illegal hand luggage fines.
This dispute traces back to November 2024, when the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs levied fines totaling €179 million against five low-cost carriers—Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian, and Volotea—for charging passengers extra fees for hand luggage and seat reservations. Ryanair received the largest fine of €108 million.
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O'Leary: –Violation of EU regulations
O'Leary has consistently denounced these fines as «illegal» and in violation of EU regulations, specifically EU regulation 1008/2008, which he argues grants airlines the freedom to set fares and establish baggage policies without political interference. He contends that if Minister Bustinduy genuinely cared about consumers, he would focus on addressing issues with Spanish online travel agencies that overcharge consumers with inflated airfares and hidden extra charges for luggage and seats.
Bustinduy: – Strategy of pressure or blackmail
In response, Minister Bustinduy has defended the fines, asserting that they are necessary to protect consumers from abusive practices. He has dismissed O'Leary's remarks as part of a strategy of pressure or blackmail, emphasizing that the sanctions aim to uphold consumer rights.
The ongoing conflict between Ryanair and the Spanish government underscores the broader tension between budget airlines' business models and regulatory efforts to protect consumers. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how it will impact airfares and airline operations within Spain.
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Several controversial statements
Michael O'Leary is renowned for his outspoken nature and has made several controversial statements over the years. Here are some notable examples:
On Airport Security: In 2020, O'Leary suggested that airport security should focus on single Muslim men, stating, «Who are the bombers? They are going to be single males travelling on their own.» This comment was widely criticized as discriminatory.
On Climate Change: O'Leary has dismissed concerns about climate change, referring to it as «complete and utter rubbish» in 2017. He has been skeptical of the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming.
On Teachers in Politics: In November 2024, O'Leary criticized the presence of teachers in the Irish parliament, suggesting they are not effective in getting things done and advocating for more businesspeople in politics. This led to significant backlash from educators and political figures.
On Boeing's Corporate Culture: In March 2024, O'Leary criticized Boeing's corporate culture, describing it as «corporate bullsh*t» and questioning the effectiveness of its leadership.
On Passenger Drinking: In 2024, O'Leary proposed a two-drink limit at airport bars to address issues of drunken disorder on flights, highlighting the dangers of excessive drinking before flights.
Can become an expensive headache
Budget airlines can still be a great deal if you plan ahead, but these hidden fees can turn a cheap ticket into an expensive headache.
1. Baggage fees
Carry-on luggage: Many budget airlines charge for a cabin bag beyond a small personal item.
Checked baggage: Fees can be high, and prices increase if you pay at the airport rather than online.
Overweight bags: Strict weight limits apply, and excess baggage fees are often expensive.
2. Seat selection
Many airlines charge extra if you want to choose your seat, even for families who want to sit together.
3. Priority boarding
Some airlines let passengers board early—for a fee. If you don’t pay, you may have to wait until last.
4. Printing your Boarding pass
Some airlines, like Ryanair, charge passengers who forget to check in online or don’t bring a printed/mobile boarding pass.
5. Payment fees
Certain airlines charge extra if you don’t use their preferred payment method, such as a credit card fee.
6. Airport Check-in fees
If you don’t check in online, some airlines charge a hefty fee for check-in at the airport counter.
7. Food and drinks
Unlike full-service airlines, budget airlines don’t include meals or drinks—even water often costs extra.
8. Flight change and cancellation fees
Changing your flight date or name on the ticket can be extremely costly. Some budget airlines don’t allow refunds at all.
9. Onboard extras
Many budget airlines charge for things like blankets, pillows, and headphones.
10. Transport to secondary airports
Some budget airlines fly to airports far from the main city (e.g., Ryanair uses Beauvais instead of Paris Charles de Gaulle), making transport more expensive.
11. Cabin Bag «Sizers» at the Gate
Some airlines strictly enforce bag size limits and charge hefty fees (often higher than pre-booking) if your bag is too big.
12. Fast track security fees
Some airlines offer «fast track» security for a fee, tempting passengers who want to avoid long queues.
13. Missed flight fees
If you arrive late, some budget airlines will make you pay a «rescue fee» for a later flight instead of rebooking for free.
14. Connection fees (Self-transfer risk)
Budget airlines don’t usually provide connecting flights, so if you book two separate tickets and miss your connection, you lose your second flight.
15. Infant and child fees
Even though babies (under 2 years old) don’t get their own seat, many budget airlines still charge a fee.
Some also charge extra for strollers or baby equipment.
16. Mobile App booking fees
Some airlines add fees for bookings made through third-party websites instead of their own app or website.
17. Customer service call fees
Need to change your flight or ask a question? Some airlines charge per minute for customer service calls.
18. Special assistance fees
Some airlines charge for special services like wheelchair assistance if not booked in advance.
19. Weather or strike rebooking fees
If your flight is affected by a weather delay or strike, some airlines won’t compensate you, meaning you might need to pay for a new ticket.
20. Airport Lounge Fees
Some budget airlines charge for access to basic airport lounges, even for frequent flyers.
21. Carbon offset fees
Some airlines add optional (or sometimes sneaky mandatory) carbon offset charges.
22. Hidden currency conversion fees
If booking in a foreign currency, you might get charged extra if the airline forces its own exchange rate instead of your bank’s.
23. Refund processing fees
Even if you’re eligible for a refund, some airlines deduct a processing fee before giving your money back.
24. Boarding Pass reprint fees
Some airlines, like Ryanair, charge up to €50 if you need them to print your boarding pass at the airport.
25. Boarding denial fees (for Non-EU IDs)
Some airlines require non-EU passport holders to get a visa check stamp at the check-in desk—even if they have no checked baggage. Missing this could result in denied boarding with no refund.
Extreme hidden fees by some airlines
Flying budget airlines can save money, but only if you know the tricks and read the fine print carefully.
Ryanair (Europe)
«Admin Fee» for Paying Online – Ryanair used to charge extra just for paying with a credit card.
Strict Personal Item Policy – If your small bag doesn’t fit under the seat, you pay extra.
Double Fee for Mistakes – If you enter your name wrong, you pay a correction fee. If you don’t correct it in time, you might have to buy a new ticket!
Airport-Only Refund Process – If eligible for a refund, Ryanair sometimes requires you to claim it at the airport instead of online.
Spirit Airlines (USA)
«Passenger Usage Fee» – If you book online, Spirit charges extra. The only way to avoid it? Buy your ticket at the airport counter!
Print-at-the-Airport Fee – If you don’t print your boarding pass at home, it costs $25.
Dynamic Carry-On Pricing – Carry-on bag fees change based on demand—sometimes costing more than a checked bag.
VivaAerobus (Mexico)
Baggage Fees Based on Route – The same suitcase might cost different amounts depending on your departure city.
Mandatory Boarding Pass Printout – You must print your boarding pass before arriving at the airport, or you pay extra.
Hand Luggage Weight Fees – Even your small bag is weighed, and overweight charges apply.
Wizz Air (Europe)
Priority Boarding is the Only Way to Bring a Regular Carry-On – If you don’t pay for priority, you’re stuck with only a tiny bag under the seat.
«Fare Lock» Fee – Wizz Air charges extra if you want to hold a fare for a few hours before booking.
AirAsia (Asia)
«Counter Check-in Fee» – If you don’t check in online, you must pay for airport check-in.
Pre-selected Paid Add-Ons – Be careful when booking; AirAsia sometimes automatically selects paid extras like travel insurance or meals.
Frontier Airlines (USA)
Customer Support Fee – Even calling customer service can cost you money.
Fees for Oversized Personal Items – If your under-seat bag is just slightly too big, you could be charged a hefty fee.
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