Airlines have launched a lobbying blitz in Brussels to combat efforts to allow larger cabin bags to fly for free.
That frisson of fear felt by many air passengers at the boarding gate about being hit with an extra charge for a carry-on bag is generating a political dogfight.
Spain had enough of the extra fees and fined five airlines for charging people for hand luggage; now the battle over the freedom to stuff a porkier bag into the overhead bin is being joined in other countries.
Consumer organizations from 12 European countries on Wednesday joined Spain’s legal battle against low-cost airlines charging passengers to bring larger carry-on suitcases on board.
The airlines have created their own problem. By charging extra for hold luggage it incentivizes people getting as much into the cabin as possible.
Reverse it. Make hold luggage free (because it’s the one that’s actually better for the airline) and charge for cabin luggage that’s beyond small light bags.
It’ll also reduce the load on security.