BRUSSELS- A Belgian court ordered Ryanair (FR) to overhaul how it sells flights and extras online. The ruling targets the airline’s website practices following legal action in Belgium, with the decision issued by the Brussels Enterprise Court in Brussels.
The judgment gives Europe’s largest low-cost carrier three months to comply or face daily penalties, raising wider questions about transparency in airline pricing. Ryanair operates an extensive European network, including services to and from Brussels, making the outcome significant for millions of passengers who book online.
Ryanair Court Orders Changes
The Brussels Enterprise Court ruled that several of Ryanair’s online sales practices breach consumer protection rules. Judges found that certain website messages create artificial urgency and may mislead customers during the booking process.
The court ordered Ryanair to remove scarcity warnings suggesting limited seat availability when such claims cannot be proven. It also banned the use of reference prices for discounts that were never genuinely offered to consumers.
In addition, the ruling requires clearer separation of fares and optional services. The court stated that bundled pricing for extras such as luggage must show individual costs clearly, while baggage fees must be transparent for both outbound and return flights.
If Ryanair fails to comply within the three-month window, it will face fines of €5,000 per day. The total penalty could reach up to €1 million if violations continue.
Consumer Groups React
Consumer organizations described the ruling as a strong signal in favor of market transparency. They argued that pressure-based sales messages distort consumer choice and make it harder to compare airline fares fairly.
According to campaigners, the decision reinforces the principle that transparency is not optional but a legal obligation, reported PYOK.
They also stressed that clear pricing from the start of the booking process allows passengers to compare airlines on equal terms.
The case followed a multi-year legal challenge focused on digital sales practices rather than ticket prices alone. Consumer groups said the outcome could influence how other airlines present fares and ancillary services across Europe.
Airline Industry Response
Ryanair responded by welcoming parts of the ruling that upheld its cabin baggage policy.
The court rejected claims that the airline must include a larger cabin bag in the base fare, confirming that its policy of allowing one small under-seat item for free is lawful.
The airline also noted that the court dismissed challenges related to seat selection fees, demand-based pricing, and family seating rules. Ryanair stated that optional services allow customers to pay only for what they choose, keeping base fares low.
The ruling comes amid broader scrutiny of airline fee structures across Europe. On the same day, UK regulators ordered EasyJet to remove unsubstantiated claims about low-cost cabin baggage fees, adding pressure on the low-cost sector.
Meanwhile, European airlines are lobbying against proposed EU rules that would require free cabin baggage for all passengers.
Carriers argue such changes would increase fares, while lawmakers say clearer standards would protect consumers from hidden costs.
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