Britain's low-cost carrier easyJet is facing a formal investigation by Italy's competition watchdog over allegations of unfair commercial practices related to how it presents baggage fees on its website and mobile app.
The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) said passengers were routinely given a distorted picture of what they were actually paying, as the airline automatically bundled checked baggage and sports equipment for round trips as a default option. This meant that customers who did not want to pay for these extras on both legs of their journey were shown only an overall average price.
The regulator added that anyone wishing to add luggage for one leg only was forced to interrupt the booking process to override the setting, a step most consumers would be unlikely to notice or navigate. The investigation will determine whether easyJet's booking system created unclear pricing conditions and limited consumers' ability to make fully informed choices.
An easyJet spokesperson said: "We are aware of the proceedings initiated by the AGCM and will fully cooperate with the authority throughout its investigation. We believe we have always acted in accordance with applicable consumer protection legislation and remain committed to ensuring complete transparency and fairness for our customers."
The airline has previously been fined by the Italian authority. In May 2021, the AGCM imposed a €2.8 million penalty on easyJet, Ryanair and Volotea for failing to offer cash reimbursements for flights cancelled when Italy lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, instead issuing vouchers. easyJet appealed against the fine, but the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Rome rejected the challenge in February 2025.
