Spain's Ministry of Consumer Rights on Friday slapped a $179 million euro ($186 million) fine on five low-budget airlines for "abusive practices" including charging additional cabin luggage fees. Spanish low-cost airline Vueling was ordered to pay 39.2 million euros and EasyJet was fined 29 million euros. Scandinavia's second-largest airline Norwegian and Spanish airline Volotea each received penalties in excess of 1 million euros. The five airlines should discontinue their practice of requiring additional payment for cabin luggage and reserving a seat near a dependent traveler, the ministry said. "We completely disagree with the decision of the Spanish Consumer Ministry and find the proposed sanctions outrageous," an EasyJet statement said, stressing it considers its cabin luggage policy to be aligned with all applicable laws.

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Persons: Vueling, EasyJet, Javier Gandara, Michael O'Leary Organizations: Ministry of Consumer Rights, Ryanair, Spanish, Spain's Association of Airlines, CNBC, Ministry of Consumer, ALA, Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry, Governments, Spanish Consumer Ministry, Boeing, International Air Transport Association Locations: Spain, Europe