Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s consumer watchdog has asked authorities to examine a new airline charge that could affect passengers travelling with non-standard luggage, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
The Spanish consumer organisation OCU has called on the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to investigate Iberia’s recently introduced surcharge for what the airline describes as “irregular” checked baggage. The measure applies to luggage that does not meet a standard rectangular shape and may add extra costs on top of existing baggage fees.
New charge for non-standard bags
Since late January, Iberia has been applying an additional fee to checked luggage considered irregular in shape. According to the airline, this includes round suitcases, flexible bags, plastic-wrapped items or any luggage that cannot move easily through automated baggage systems.
The airline says such items often require manual handling at airports, slowing down operations and increasing costs. The surcharge varies depending on the route, with lower fees for domestic flights and higher ones for European or long-haul journeys.
In some cases, passengers may pay the extra charge even if checked baggage is already included in their ticket, effectively adding a second cost linked to the shape of the bag.
Consumer concerns over fairness
OCU argues the new policy may create confusion for travellers and could be considered unfair. The organisation says it is not always clear when luggage will be classified as irregular, meaning passengers might only discover the extra charge at the airport.
The group also warns that adding another category of baggage fees on top of existing charges for oversized or special items could make airline pricing less transparent and harder for travellers to compare.
The consumer body has asked the ministry to determine whether the surcharge complies with Spanish and European consumer-protection rules, particularly regarding clear information and pricing transparency.
Iberia defends the measure
Iberia says the policy is operational rather than punitive. The airline points to modern automated baggage systems, which are designed for standard rigid suitcases. Items that do not fit the usual format can slow down handling and require additional staff time.
According to the airline, the surcharge simply reflects these extra costs and does not apply to standard, box-shaped luggage that meets usual requirements.
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What passengers should know
Travellers are being advised to check not only the weight and size of their baggage but also its shape before heading to the airport. Soft or unusually shaped bags could trigger additional charges even if they meet standard weight limits.
The issue now rests with Spain’s consumer authorities, who will decide whether the policy meets legal standards for transparency and fairness.
As airline fees continue to evolve, the debate highlights how small changes in baggage rules can have a noticeable impact on travel costs — and why passengers are being urged to read the fine print before flying.