British low-cost carrier easyJet is under formal investigation by Italy's antitrust authority over allegations of unfair commercial practices related to baggage pricing on its website and mobile app.
Allegations of Distorted Pricing
The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) announced on Tuesday, May 26, that easyJet's booking system routinely presented customers with a distorted picture of actual costs. The airline bundled checked baggage and sports equipment for round trips as the automatic default, showing only an overall average price. This meant passengers who wanted luggage for only one leg of their journey had to interrupt the booking process to override the setting—a step the regulator says most consumers would likely miss or find confusing.
Investigation Scope
The probe will determine whether easyJet's practices created unclear pricing conditions and limited consumers' ability to make fully informed choices. The AGCM emphasized that such practices could violate consumer protection laws.
Airline Response
An easyJet spokesperson told Euronews: "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. We will now carefully review the Authority’s decision and consider what action to take."
Past Penalties
This is not the first time easyJet has faced scrutiny from the AGCM. In May 2021, the regulator fined easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea a combined €2.8 million for failing to offer cash refunds for flights canceled after Italy lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions, instead issuing vouchers. EasyJet appealed, but the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Rome rejected the challenge in February 2025.
