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You are planning a trip to Spain? Expect long queues, confusion and surprise charges. Credit: Canva
It is like trying to escape from an exciting escape game when you book a flight! You have Ryanair which charges extra and Vueling which has an additional luggage fee. The story continues with Spain changing the skies and not making headlines. The reasons why travel is becoming more expensive and unfair are explained by these statistics. We’ll explain how the economic crisis is affecting your rights and the rise of AI price manipulation.
The end of € 9 Flights
These days will be over by 2025. Jet fuel prices are up, partially because of post-pandemic instability in the world and partly because airlines must now use a more sustainable aviation fuel that is more expensive. It’s about 3-4 times more expensive than kerosene.
The result? Aircraft shortages (due in part to the COVID retirements as well as delayed Airbus delivery) plus the ongoing costs of carbon footprints for EU-based airlines. What is the result? The result? Fewer planes and higher overheads. Low-cost fares are dying. 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. You are not being dramatic. There has been an increase in the cost of flights, not just hidden fees.
You had your rights. You had rights.
Under the current EU regulation 261, you are entitled to €250 to €600 in compensation, depending on the flight length. This is the strongest passenger protection in the world. Airlines hate it and travellers love it. However, there has been a recent change and it’s not to your advantage:
The EU is reviving a proposal from years ago to soften the EU261. If it passes, compensation as we know will only kick-in after +5-hour delay, and 9-12 hour for medium and long haul flights. How about a 3 hour delay to Paris, for example? No more payout.
To its credit, the Spanish government is fighting against this trend. 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.
While the EU is weakening its stance, Spain will continue to protect passengers from sneaky seat policies and drip pricing.
You might find the price that you see is just right for you.
This is what makes people’s skin crawl. Pricing isn’t about supply or even demand. It is all about you. Yes, you. Booking platforms and airlines are using AI to personalise prices, not only based on time and seat availability but also based on your identity, the devices you use and whether or not you have searched previously.
Have you ever doubled the price of a flight after refreshing the page? You ask your friend to open the door and check; her price was €20 less. Italy has attempted to ban profiling on routes to Sardinia, Sicily and other destinations. They claim the algorithm should not charge a higher rate because someone is using an iPhone.
In Spain, watchdogs such as FACUA and OCU demand more scrutiny. After all, if Amazon or Spotify can reveal when their recommendations are algorithmic, then why shouldn’t a flight? Although we have heard that airlines do not target specific individuals but only trends but we live in the modern world, it is still a concern. Your flight history may be compromised if your fridge suggests recipes based on the pasta you ate yesterday.
What You Can Do
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. In 2025, new tools and tactics will help you regain control. Here’s how savvy travelers are coping:
- Google Flights Price trend to compare fares. Book fast and set alerts because the first fare you see will be the cheapest.
- Switch devices: Some platforms have been accused of profiling users based on their 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 directly: To avoid shady OTAS, book directly with the airline. Always screenshot the fare before checkout—just in case.
- Use the AENA mobile appThe official app for Spain’s airports includes gate updates in real time, queue information, and the availability of parking spaces. It is also useful for Vueling, Ryanair and other airlines that have frequent last-minute changes to their gate.
- Flight-tracking services: You can use them to get alerts about fare changes and you can also use other apps such as Hopper, Flighty or Kayak. You can enable these to be notified of price spikes and fare changes.
Spain has begun to crack down on airlines. It is working. For the first time in Spain, airlines are reconsidering their baggage policies. Courts are siding more with passengers who want refunds. 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.
It’s important to have rules that do not disappear in turbulence, and the right to sit next a child on a plane without a lawyer. Spain understands, and to its credit, the plight of the flyer. It remains to be determined if the rest of Europe will follow. For now, it’s important to keep your dignity intact when flying. Always, always pack 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 is one of the strongest in the industry, to the delight of travellers and dismay of airlines. A change is coming that may not benefit you.
