London, UK — Budget airlines such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, Pegasus and others are facing mounting criticism for their check-in policies, which many passengers describe as unfair and exploitative.

Under current rules, travellers must complete online check-in before arriving at the airport. Those who fail to do so are forced to pay surcharges of €30 to €55 simply to obtain a boarding pass. In many cases, this fee exceeds the cost of the ticket itself.

Consumer rights groups argue that the practice amounts to extortion. Passengers who refuse or cannot pay are denied boarding entirely, even if they have already purchased a valid ticket. “It’s essentially a ‘pay or you don’t fly’ policy,” one advocacy group said.

Critics highlight that this system disproportionately affects vulnerable travellers — such as the elderly, those with limited internet access, or passengers unfamiliar with online procedures. “Charging someone €50 just to print a piece of paper is not only unethical, it borders on abusive,” noted a consumer watchdog representative.

Airlines, however, defend the policy by pointing to their low-cost model. They claim that online check-in reduces operating costs and that passengers are informed about the rules during booking.

Legal experts remain divided. While these fees are generally permitted if transparently disclosed, some argue they may violate consumer protection laws if deemed excessive or unfair. Regulators across Europe and the UK are under pressure to investigate whether denying boarding over unpaid check-in fees is lawful, or simply a tactic to exploit passengers.

As frustration grows, the controversy raises a broader question: Should basic services like check-in be treated as an optional extra — or as a fundamental passenger right?