At a time when most people book their flights online, opaque additional fees and disadvantageous contract clauses at airlines are causing resentment and confusion. The main complaints include hidden costs such as check-in fees, seat reservation fees and ticket service fees. Due to numerous complaints, the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) has taken legal action against some of these practices on behalf of the Ministry of Consumer Protection. The focus is particularly on Ryanair and Austrian Airlines (AUA).

Ryanair, known for its aggressive pricing models, is facing a lawsuit from the VKI. It focuses on fifteen clauses that provide for additional fees. One of these fees concerns the so-called "infant fee" of 25 euros, which is charged even if the child sits on an adult's lap during the flight. Families with underage children must also pay a seat reservation fee to ensure that they can sit together during the flight. This practice effectively leads to hidden additional fees for children.

Another controversial point is online check-in. This is only free with Ryanair between 24 hours and two hours before departure. If you miss this time window, you will be charged a fee of 55 euros, even if technical problems on the part of the airline prevent you from checking in. Rebookings are also associated with high costs: travelers have to pay between 45 and 100 euros, even if the new flight is cheaper.

A particular annoyance is the hand luggage included in the flight price. This does not correspond to the standard dimensions, so many travelers have to pay additional fees at the airport if their hand luggage exceeds the usual dimensions.

AUA: Warning due to unfair contract clauses

Austrian Airlines is also being criticized for its contract terms. The VKI has issued warnings about several clauses. One of these is the ticket issuing fee of up to five euros. Since transport is not possible without a ticket, the consumer protection agency considers this fee to be inadmissible. In addition, another clause states that the flight price cannot be refunded or can only be refunded for a fee, even if taxes, fees and surcharges have not been incurred. In the opinion of the lawyers, these should be paid back to the passengers.

Another controversial regulation concerns the recalculation of prices if the order of the booked flights is not adhered to. This could be the case, for example, if a passenger books a flight from Vienna to London via Brussels, but only takes the flight from Vienna to Brussels.

Some of these clauses have already been declared invalid in previous proceedings brought by the VKI against the parent company Lufthansa. Since 2020, the VKI has also conducted successful legal proceedings against other airlines such as Laudamotion, Wizz Air and Easyjet.

AUA has until next week to respond to the warning and issue a cease-and-desist declaration. If it does not do so, the VKI will also take legal action. Johannes Rauch, the minister responsible for consumer protection, stresses: "When booking, travelers must be able to rely on the fact that the price they pay covers all the usual services."

Background and consumer rights

The increasing number of complaints shows that many travelers have difficulty identifying and comparing the true cost of their flights. The hidden fees make it difficult to determine the final price, which significantly reduces transparency and fairness in the market. It is unacceptable for airlines to charge additional fees for basic services that were previously included in the ticket price.

The current legal measures against Ryanair and AUA are an important step towards creating more transparency and fairness for travelers. Consumers should be aware of their rights and, if necessary, seek legal support to take action against unfair practices. The commitment of the VKI and the Ministry of Consumer Protection shows that the interests of travelers are being taken seriously and steps are being taken to improve the travel situation.