Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-cost airline and a major choice for Israeli travelers, is attacking a new European Union consumer reform that would require airlines to let passengers bring one personal item onboard at no extra charge. The company says the change, along with other passenger-rights measures, could raise fares rather than lower costs.
Under the proposal already approved as part of the wider reform package, passengers would be entitled to carry a personal item on the plane for free. EU lawmakers also want to strengthen transparency and other consumer protections. Ryanair argues that because most travelers look first for the cheapest fare, forcing airlines to include more services in the base price will push up the ticket price shown at the start of the booking process, including for people who do not need extra cabin baggage.
The airline says its low-cost model is built on the idea that each passenger pays only for what they actually use. It gave the example of a traveler taking a short weekend trip with only a small bag, who should not, in the company’s view, help pay for another passenger’s larger carry-on allowance.
The reform also includes other rights for passengers. Parents would not have to pay extra to sit next to their children, and airlines would need to provide clearer information about delays and cancellations. The familiar EU compensation regime is expected to remain largely unchanged, with eligible passengers still able to receive up to 600 euros for major delays or flight cancellations, depending on distance and delay length. The legislation is not final and still needs further approval from EU institutions. Ryanair says the debate is not over, warning that the cost could ultimately be passed on to consumers.
