Some encouraging news if you flying domestic in Spain this summer. Iberia and Vueling have stated that they are proceeding as normal with their operational planning for this summer, as they do not anticipate any disruptions to fuel supplies, whilst also clarifying that they have ruled out applying “additional charges” to their ticket prices.
‘Customers who have booked with Iberia or who plan to do so can rest assured that the company’s plans do not include cancellations this summer due to the rise in jet fuel prices,’ the airline stated in a press release. Iberia has also emphasised that it has taken ‘rigorous’ cost-saving measures to cushion the impact on ticket prices.
In the case of Vueling, it highlighted that it has ‘an extensive flight schedule to over 100 destinations, with multiple timetable options on each route’, enabling it to offer alternatives to its customers in the event of any unlikely adjustment or disruption to their flight plan, and they may request a refund if no option suits their needs.
Regarding ticket surcharges, this decision contrasts with that of another Spanish airline, in this case Volotea, which recently announced a new surcharge of up to €14 per person per flight to “minimise the impact in a constantly evolving global environment” due to the war in the Middle East.
The measure, dubbed the “Fair Travel Promise” and in force since 16 March, has drawn criticism from consumer associations. The OCU has called for ‘transparency and clear justification’ regarding fuel surcharges, whilst Asufin has branded Volotea’s announcement as “illegal” and an ‘abuse’.
Meanwhile, other airlines such as Air France-KLM have stated that they do not rule out increasing long-haul ticket prices to cope with rising fuel costs. For its part, the US carrier American Airlines has opted to increase checked baggage fees in basic economy class.