Travelling in Spain this year? Expect queues, confusion, and surprise charges. Credit: Canva

Booking a flight feels like navigating an exciting escape room! On one hand, you have Ryanair, which may charge you extra, and on the other, there’s Vueling, which has additional luggage fees. But the story does continue with Spain reshaping the skies right now and isn’t making headlines. They explain a lot about why travel is more expensive, less fair, and out of your control. So buckle in (or pay extra to do so), as we dive into the current economic squeeze that is shrinking your rights, the rise of AI-fuelled price manipulation, and how Spain is leading the fight for fairer flying. 

The end of € 9 Flights 

Those days are over in 2025. Jet fuel prices have increased, partly because of the post-pandemic global instability and also because airlines are now expected to use more sustainable aviation fuel, which is a greener alternative that comes with higher pricing. It is roughly 3- 4 times more expensive than traditional kerosene. 

Now add in aircraft shortages (thank you, COVID retirements and delayed Airbus deliveries) + the ongoing cost of carbon footprint for EU-based carriers. The result? Fewer planes, higher overheads, and a general death of low-cost fares. Even Ryanair’s €5 deals are ceasing to exist, and what about Spanish travellers? Well, they are noticing a trend, especially when you are doing a round trip from Madrid to Berlin, which used to cost €80, but now costs €160- €180. No, you are not being dramatic, there has been a rise in more expensive flights and not just sneaky fees. 

You had rights. The EU is taking them back. 

Under the current EU regulation 261, you are entitled to €250 to €600 in compensation, depending on the flight length. It is one of the strongest passenger protections in the world, and airlines absolutely hate it, while travellers adore it. But there is a change, and it is not in your favour:

The EU has revived a long-standing proposal to water down the current EU261. If that passes, compensation, as we know it, will only kick in after +5-hour delays and 9-12 hours for medium and long-haul flights. In short, what about a 3-hour delay to Paris? No more payout. 

Spain’s government, to its credit, is going against this grain that is brewing. In fact, entirely the opposite direction by having just fined five low-cost airlines €179 for abusive pricing practices that include charging for hand luggage, charging to sit a parent next to a child, and hiding the true cost behind a series of endless add-ons. 

So while the EU may be weakening, Spain’s stance is to double down and protect flyers against drip pricing and sneaky seat policies.

The price you see might be just for you.

Here is the bit that makes everyone’s skin crawl: Pricing is not about supply or demand; it is entirely about you. Yes, you. Booking platforms and airlines use AI to personalise fares, not just dynamically based on either time or seat availability, but also on who you are, what devices you use, and whether you searched before. 

Have you ever checked a flight, and once you refresh the page, it doubles? You ask your friend to open the door and check; her price was €20 less. Italy has tried to ban this level of profiling, especially on its routes to Sardinia and Sicily. They argue that the algorithm should not charge more because someone is using an iPhone. 

In Spain, watchdogs like FACUA and OCU are calling for more scrutiny because if Amazon and Spotify can disclose when recommendations are algorithm-driven, then why wouldn’t the flight disclose that as well? We have heard airlines say that they don’t target individuals but only trends, but we do not live in a cave. If your fridge can suggest recipes based on yesterday’s pasta, then be sure that your flight history isn’t safe either.

What you can do 

Now, it is easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed. But 2025 has ushered in tools and tactics to fight back in order to regain control. Here’s what savvy travellers are doing: 

Use Google Flights’ price trend feature to see the fare comparison. And set alerts and book fast because the first price you see is the best. 

Switch devices: Some platforms are suspected of profiling you based on your laptop or device. iPhone users are shown higher prices, so the way to beat and gamify the system is to start your search on your mobile, note the fare, finish the booking on your laptop via incognito mode, and users have reported a €15-€40 difference.  

Book direct: Book directly through airlines to avoid last-minute fees from shady OTAS. Always screenshot the fare before checkout—just in case. 

Use the AENA app: Spain’s official airport application includes real-time gate changes, security queue updates, and parking space availability. It can also be useful against Vueling and Ryanair when last-minute gate changes are frequent. 

Flight-tracking services: They can warn you of fare differences and allow you to use apps like Hopper, Flighty, or Kayak price alerts. Enable these because they will inform you of price spikes detected, fare drops, and whether this fare has changed X times in 24 hours. 

Spain is already cracking down on airlines, and it is working. Airlines are rethinking baggage policies, courts have sided more with passengers demanding refunds, and for once, flying in Spain is becoming less obscure. Airlines will always find ways to make a quick buck, fair enough, but in 2025, travellers aren’t looking for a miracle—just normal prices without a mid-click change. 

Rules that don’t disappear during turbulence and a seat next to a child without needing a lawyer. Spain, to its own credit, understands the flyer’s plight. Whether the rest of Europe follows remains to be seen. But for now, you would want to fly with your dignity intact. Know your rights, know your apps, and always, always bring snacks. Under the current EU Regulation 261, you are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the length of your flight. This regulation offers some of the strongest passenger protections in the world, much to the dislike of airlines and the delight of travellers. However, there is an upcoming change that may not be beneficial for you: