Consumer association hits out at eight Spanish airlines for not accepting cash on board

The OCU, the Organisation of Consumers and Users, has criticised eight Spanish airlines for not accepting cash payments on their flights. The association has demanded the elimination of the card-only payment policy adopted by the airlines. "They have not taken that step, so we have proceeded and reported it to the relevant authorities," they said.

The airlines subject to the complaint are Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Europa, Iberojet, Plus Ultra, Volotea, Wamos Air, and World2fly.

“Despite what the regulations establish, these airlines continue to force consumers who make purchases on board to pay by card: this is a clear violation of consumer regulations. For this reason, we have reported the eight companies that continue to ignore our requests,” stated the OCU.

The OCU claims that consumer law establishes that no one can refuse to accept cash as a means of payment.

“There are no reasons that justify the limitation of the use of cash. This can make the customer vulnerable. If a person wants to buy some food or products onboard, but only has cash, they are left with no other option but to go without the purchase. This is abusive and represents a serious breach of consumer protection regulations”, the OCU said.

On May 28th, a modification of the General Law for the Defence of Consumers in Spain came into force, which covers payment by cash in any establishment.

Article 82.4 of Royal Decree-Law 24/2021, of 2 November, includes the term "to accept payment in cash as a means of payment within the limits established by tax regulations and the prevention and fight against tax fraud”.

So there is only one exception, as the regulation itself specifies, "within the limits established by tax regulations and the prevention and fight against tax fraud". This crime is also punishable with a fine that can range between 150 and 100,000 euros, said the OCU.