Italy opens investigation into EasyJet over baggage fee practices

07:45

Italy’s competition authority has launched an investigation into easyJet over concerns related to baggage fee policies and possible unfair commercial practices. The inquiry focuses on how optional travel services are presented to customers through the airline’s website and mobile application.

According to the Italian antitrust authority, the airline allegedly set bundled baggage and sports equipment options as the default choice for round-trip bookings. Regulators believe this system may have created confusion for travelers who only needed additional baggage services for one part of their journey.

Authorities also stated that the platform displayed an average service price instead of clearly separating the costs for each individual flight segment. Consumer protection officials argue that this practice may prevent passengers from fully understanding the real cost of optional services before completing a booking.

The investigation comes at a time when European regulators are paying closer attention to pricing transparency in the airline industry. Low-cost carriers have increasingly faced criticism over additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other optional services that can significantly increase ticket prices.

easyJet has not yet provided detailed public comments regarding the investigation. However, the airline industry generally maintains that optional service fees allow companies to offer lower base fares and give customers greater flexibility in choosing travel options.

If regulators determine that the practices violated Italian consumer protection laws, the company could face financial penalties or be required to modify its booking procedures. The case may also influence broader discussions across Europe regarding transparency and fairness in airline pricing systems.