Huge Ryanair change could mean the end of cheap flights to Spain

Brits may have to wave goodbye to cheap flights to following a landmark court ruling in Salamanca. Budget airline has been told by the Spanish court to reimburse a customer £124 for hand luggage fees imposed on five flights between 2019 and 2024.

The judges ruled that carrying is an integral part of air travel and should not incur extra charges. While this may seem like a win for those who have been hit with hefty baggage fees, it could actually lead to higher ticket prices. Aviation specialists have suggested that airlines will not opt for higher "all-inclusive fares" instead.

The Salamanca verdict implies that carriers in Spain will likely make a move to include standard bag costs in the overall ticket price.

Aviation solicitor Kevin Bodley, from , highlighted the decision's "potentially significant" impact on UK law and airline practices.

It stems from a 2014 European Court of Justice judgement, which determined that cabin bags are essential to passenger transport and cannot be subject to additional fees. However, some airlines have continued to charge for larger luggage while incur no cost. The court decision could now see these policies come under scrutiny and also impact English courts and airline policies across the country.

"The core issue is whether airlines can justify imposing extra charges for basic passenger entitlements in an attempt to lower headline fares which consumers argue are traditionally included in the ticket price," said Mr Bodley, the Mail reported.

"The emphasis in Spain at least appears to be protecting passengers from less transparent additional pricing structures that can lead to unexpected costs."

He warned that the court ruling could lead to a complete overhaul of international carriers's policies for to Spain: "For budget airlines, which often rely on unbundled pricing models where most service elements carry additional costs, this represents a significant regulatory challenge to carriers' practices.

"The issues are financially significant and crucial to their business and are unlikely to be surrendered without a fight."

Mr Bodley noted that this verdict could "force budget airlines to become more transparent in their marketing and pricing" and that as more passengers become aware of their rights, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' tough stance on could lead to a surge in refund lawsuits.

A Ryanair spokesperson insisted the airline follows Spanish law, saying: "Ryanair allows each passenger to carry a generous (40x25x20cm) personal bag on board as part of the basic air fare, with the option to add extra bags for an optional fee should they so wish.

"This policy promotes both low fares and consumer choice, and is fully compliant with EU law, as upheld by several recent Spanish court rulings, including in Coruña, Segovia, Ontinyent, , and Madrid."