The government says charging for hand luggage and printing boarding passes at the airport are "abusive practices".

Spain’s Consumer Rights ministry demanded that the five low-cost airlines stop charging additional baggage fees.

Ryanair and easyJet are among a number of budget airlines fined almost £150 million for ‘abusive practices’ including charging for carry-on bags. Spain’s consumer rights ministry said the airlines violated customers’ rights by forcing them to pay for carry-on luggage,

Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry has fined budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Norwegian and Volotea a combined 179 million euros ($187 million) for practices such as charging for cabin luggage,

Spain has slapped fines on five budget airlines for charging passengers for hand luggage and seat reservations. The fine amounts to a total of £150 million. Ryanair will have to pay the lion's share of the fine (£89.7m), which was described as "baseless" by the company's boss Michael O'Leary.

Five budget carriers deemed to have violated customer rights with various practices in ruling seen as challenge to business models

Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry has fined budget airlines Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, Norwegian and Volotea a combined €179m for practices such as charging for cabin luggage, it said today.

Spain's consumer rights ministry has fined budget airlines including Ryanair and Vueling a combined 179 million euros ($187 million) for practices such as charging for larger cabin bags, it said on Friday.

Spain’s ministry of consumer affairs has fined several European airlines for “abusive practices” against passengers that included charging extra fees for hand luggage, and for adjacent seats to accompany dependent travelers.