A Belgian placed on the blacklist of an airline, because he did not want to pay … 10 euros

After a dispute about a cabin suitcase, a Belgian traveler was prohibited access to Transavia and KLM flights until 2029.

The incident dates back to July 2024, at Eindhoven airport. However, A Belgian passenger. Consequently, accompanied by his wife, was about to embark for Palma de Mallorca when a dispute broke out with the staff on the ground of the Transavia company. In addition, In question: its cabin suitcase, deemed not in accordance with the new policy of the airline.

For the past few months. Therefore, Transavia has imposed an additional 10 euros for standard size luggage, only small bags can slip under the seat being authorized for free. For example, The total weight of personal effects should not exceed ten kilos.

The passenger refused to pay the supplement. Nevertheless, stayed for several minutes in front of the boarding gate, hindering the passage. For example, Despite the staff injunctions, he entered the boarding area without being authorized.

A violent reaction. immediate consequences – Belgian placed blacklist airline, because

The altercation took a more serious turn when the man learned that he would not be authorized to embark. He demanded the identity of the responsible agent on the ground. then grabbed it by the shoulder and the neck, torn off his badge and tried to take a photo. The employee, jostled, fell to the ground.

The police intervened quickly and arrested the passenger. He was sentenced by a Dutch court to a fine of 400 euros. Despite its call, the sanction was confirmed. A week after the incident. Transavia scored him on his internal black list, prohibiting him from any flight for five years. His parent company, KLM, also applied this measure.

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A complaint against the company and a confirmed ban

The Belgian passenger decided belgian placed blacklist airline, because to seize justice, denouncing a “disproportionate” sanction and claiming that he could not fully present his version of the facts. He also called for more than 10. 000 euros in damages for the trips he could not make, including a KLM flight to South Africa.

The court did not retain its arguments. The judge said his behavior justified “the most severe sanction”. His compensation request has been rejected, and he will have to pay more than 4,400 euros in legal costs.

A context of tensions around luggage costs

This case is part of a climate of growing criticism in Europe against. low -cost airlines. Several consumer belgian placed blacklist airline, because associations. including that of the Netherlands and fifteen other European organizations, have filed a complaint with the European Commission against Transavia, Ryanair and Wizz Air. In Germany, legal actions have also been undertaken to denounce pricing policies deemed misleading.