Ryanair Criticises EU261 Rules on Hand Luggage Fares
Ryanair criticised the latest EU261 rules on 16 June, saying they would force airlines to advertise higher fares that include hand luggage and a second cabin bag. Michael O’Leary said the changes would push carriers to show prices many passengers do not choose. Ryanair said more than 50% of its customers pick its lowest fares, which exclude a second cabin bag.
Michael O’Leary on EU261
O’Leary said: “These latest EU261 regs are more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council.” He also said: “Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise our lowest fares (which exclude 2nd cabin bags), which is what over 50% of our customers choose, these new rubbish regulations require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.”
The airline said the new rules would require airlines to publish what it called misleading price advertising. Under the changes, EU airlines would have to present fares that include a second cabin bag, even though Ryanair said over 50% of passengers already choose a lower fare and do not travel with one.
Ryanair and EU fares
Ryanair tied its complaint to wider issues in Europe’s aviation system, saying Europe’s ATC system accounts for over 90% of airline delays. It also called on Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Parliament and the EU Council to stop making rubbish regulations and instead abolish Europe’s discriminatory ETS tax and deliver effective ATC reform.
The practical effect for passengers is in how fares will be displayed. Ryanair’s position is that the new EU261 rules would raise the headline price shown by airlines that sell lower fares without a second cabin bag, while the company says most of its own customers choose that cheaper option. The dispute now sits with the EU Parliament and Council, which Ryanair says should change course on fare advertising and wider aviation rules.
Prague, Paphos and Kosice
Ryanair also said it celebrated the first flight from Prague to Paphos on 1st August and would launch a twice weekly service to Kosice on Monday 3rd August. The airline said it had launched a seat sale with fares from 729 Kc for travel to Kosice and from 759 Kc to Paphos.
