Ryanair has welcomed the filing of a complaint with the European Commission against it and six other European airlines over fees charged for hand luggage.
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) filed the complaint last week, alleging the carriers are charging "undue fees to consumers for their hand baggage".
It is calling for an EU-wide investigation into the commercial practices of the targeted airlines and the wider sector.
Ryanair is listed in the complaint along with EasyJet, Norwegian Airlines, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air.
Director General of BEUC Agustín Reyna said the seven airlines "are exploiting consumers and ignoring the EU's top court, which ruled that charging for reasonably sized hand baggage is illegal."
"This was confirmed by recent fines in Spain, which made clear that passengers can bring their reasonably sized hand baggage onboard at no additional cost," he added.
In response, Ryanair said the complaint "will confirm that Ryanair's baggage policy fully complies with EU Law (EU Reg 1008/2008), which grants all EU airlines the freedom to set prices, including prices of optional services".
The airline added that it allows each passenger a "generous" 40cm x 25cm x 20cm personal bag on board free as part of its basic air fare, with the option to add extra bags for an additional fee should they wish.
It said "this policy promotes both low fares and consumer choice. If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive-up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers".
In 2014, the EU Court of Justice ruled that "carriage of hand baggage cannot be made subject to a price supplement, provided that it meets reasonable requirements in terms of its weight and dimensions and complies with applicable security requirements".
Ryanair said this ruling confirmed that "airlines are entitled to charge passengers for carrying extra bags, as long as the carriage of passengers’ precious and indispensable items (i.e, a small personal bag) is included in the price of the ticket".
In addition to the complaint over hand baggage, the European Consumer Organisation also wants the EU to clarify what services should be included in the basic ticket price.
It said its data "show that consumers expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when buying basic tickets."
"Policymakers should also define hand luggage’s 'reasonable size and weight’ to avoid surprises at the airport and ultimately reduce the number of disputes costing consumers and airlines time and money," it added.
