Airlines, telecommunications companies and electricity suppliers were the sectors that registered the most complaints in Balearic Islands during 2024, according to the Consumer Affairs report from the regional government, which recorded a total of 7,629 complaints, 90 more than the previous year.

Suitcases on an aeroplane

For the second consecutive year, complaints against airlines exceeded those against telecommunications companies, totalling 780 complaints. The main reasons were the charge for printing boarding passes, the charge for hand luggage and the mandatory paid seat selection, practices that are common among low-cost airlines. In second place, telecommunications companies (telephone, internet and television) registered 697 complaints, while electricity suppliers accumulated 639.

Other notable complaints were against leisure and entertainment companies, related to fraudulent tickets, cancelled concerts, and prohibiting food at water parks and concerts, accounting for 636 complaints.

Rising sectors

  • Technical assistance and repairs: 587 complaints, mainly about vehicle, household appliance and electronic device repairs, 38 more than the previous year.

  • Vehicle rentals: upward trend with 299 complaints in 2024, compared to 275 in 2023 and 189 in 2022.

  • Financial services: 570 complaints, compared to 415 in 2023, which are referred to the Bank of Spain or the Directorate-General for Insurance as they are not processed directly by Consumer Affairs.

Inspection and penalties

The Consumer Affairs Inspection and Market Surveillance Service carried out 2,711 inspections in 2024, withdrawing 11,932 products. In addition, 539 inspections were conducted specifically to withdraw hazardous industrial products detected through the national alert network.

Regarding penalties, the total amount imposed was 1,351,260 euros, of which 853,025 euros originated from consumer complaints and reports and 498,235 euros from inspection actions.

The most penalised sectors included:

  • Contractual breaches: twenty cases related to fraud in distance selling and issues with guarantees for products such as mobile devices and household appliances.

  • Vehicle sector: 5% of the penalised cases were related to fraud in the sale of second-hand vehicles and deficient services in repair workshops.

  • Air transport: six cases against low-cost airlines, mainly for improper charges for hand luggage, in actions promoted by the regional government.