In a press release, ANAV – National Association of Travel Agencies, welcomes the decision that has been handed down by the Braga District Court, ruling against Ryanair for considering it illegal for the airline to charge additional fees to passengers who carry cabin bags, since “this is a violation of consumer rights”, as stated by the judge who tried the case.
ANAV recalls that it has summoned the aforementioned airline to put an end to “its abusive practices”, namely against travel agents and, as a consequence, against end customers.
The Braga Court’s decision “proves and reinforces ANAV’s calls for Ryanair to backtrack on respecting the Portuguese market, travel agencies and their customers”, says Miguel Quintas, president of the association, adding that “this issue of the illegality of charging additional fees for cabin bags was already on our agenda, which has now been boosted by the Braga Court’s decision. However, it does not end there”.
It should be noted that ANAV announced, at the beginning of this year, that it was collecting data and information from travel agencies about Ryanair’s abusive practices in the national market, and “the consequences of this assessment could result in possible legal action or a formal complaint against the company”. Miguel Quintas said that he will announce news soon, and that, “for ANAV, the defense of the interests of travel agencies and their end customers cannot be subjugated by the size of any company or entity”.
So expect Ryanair to simply leave the Portuguese market. That's how they work.
By Nick Oakley from UK on 13 Sep 2024, 06:40
Another shot into the foot of the traveller. I like to pay for cabin bags because as a result of the court's decision the base price will be increased even for poeple that don't have cabin bags.
By Tom from Lisbon on 13 Sep 2024, 06:41
I can only agree with the comments already made, noting also that the policy on cabin bags applies equally to Easyjet, so I do see why Ryanair is targeted here?
Neither airline is going to change their European pricing policy because of a single regional court ruling in Portugal.
They will simply stop flying to Portugal, and then the price of seats will skyrocket!
So, not useful to anyone except the Travel Agents Association, which has been an increasingly defunct industry over the past 10 years as people book their own travel directly with Booking.com, airlines and car hire companies.
By Tony Williams from Other on 13 Sep 2024, 09:42
I understand that SATA is also banning pets altogether. Anyone else hear about this? Rescues have depended on volunteers to accompany the thousands of abandoned pets from the Azores to good homes all over the world where they can have a better life. This is really bad, especially since the government is behind on the support to the islands.
By MimiB from Lisbon on 13 Sep 2024, 13:52
Oh great, so those that don’t have a cabin bag will see a price hike because of this ruling. What’s wrong with only paying for the service you use. If I have to pay for a cabin bag then I’ll take one = more weight, more fuel, more delay boarding/leaving the plane. Maybe Ryanair will say no cabin bags, all must go in the hold.
By Graham Harbord from Algarve on 13 Sep 2024, 14:21
Ryanair will have to increase fares for everyone to oblige a small number of people who are not satisfied with the existing rules set by an extremely successful European airline (if judged by passenger miles flown).
By Pedro from Lisbon on 13 Sep 2024, 16:04
In which respect is Ryanair different from Easyjet or Wizzair or other cheap airlines?
By Tom from Lisbon on 13 Sep 2024, 16:41
The EU should pass legislation on regulating airlines' and particularly low costs' wild capitalist rules.
Any passenger should be able to at least carry a trolly with acceptable dimensions for the passengers' interests and airlines' profitable oriented behavior in spite of its customers minimal satisfaction.
Flying became a martyrdom. And to thought it used to be fancy.
By Diogo F. from Lisbon on 14 Sep 2024, 02:44
It is about time he was given a slap! However, he will find a some new way to claw money out of passengers.
By L from Lisbon on 14 Sep 2024, 07:44
Nothing happened David v golias
By Fernando from Lisbon on 14 Sep 2024, 08:44
Not good news at all as it will be the travellers that lose out. At the least this will result in increased fares and at the worst Ryanair will stop flying to Portugal. And, as others have said, what about the other cheap carriers like Easyjet. Why target Ryanair? Apart from Ryanair only Jet2 fly from my local airport. If Ryanair does stop flights to Portugal my travel costs will increase about 3 fold.
By Kirsty from UK on 14 Sep 2024, 21:53