Ryanair has announced plans to significantly boost financial incentives for gate staff who identify passengers attempting to board flights with luggage exceeding the airline’s strict size limits.
The decision, revealed by chief executive Michael O’Leary during a press conference in central London on Wednesday, comes amid ongoing debates about fairness in air travel and Ryanair’s aggressive revenue strategies from ancillary fees.
Under the current scheme, which was confirmed by the airline earlier this year following a leaked payslip from a former employee, ground handling staff receive €1.50 for each oversized bag they spot at the boarding gate. This bonus, previously capped at €80 per month per employee, is set to rise to €2.50 per bag starting from November, coinciding with the beginning of the winter flight schedule.
The monthly cap will also be eliminated, allowing staff to earn potentially unlimited rewards based on their vigilance. O’Leary, known for his unapologetic stance on cost-cutting measures, stated emphatically that he makes “absolutely no apology” for the policy, describing non-compliant passengers as those “scamming the system.”
Baggage policy
Ryanair’s baggage rules permit all passengers a complimentary small personal bag measuring no more than 40cm by 30cm by 20cm, which must fit under the seat in front. Larger items, such as a 10kg cabin bag up to 55cm by 40cm by 20cm, require the purchase of Priority Boarding for an additional fee, typically ranging from €6 to €8 depending on the route. Passengers caught with oversized luggage at the gate face hefty penalties of up to €87 to place the item in the hold, a charge that has drawn criticism for its steepness and for potentially catching out even minor infractions. O’Leary emphasised that fewer than 0.1 per cent of the airline’s 200 million annual passengers – roughly 200,000 individuals – incur these fees, insisting that the vast majority comply without issue.
The announcement builds on earlier considerations in July, when Ryanair first floated the idea of increasing the bonus during a financial update, citing a desire to eliminate what it calls the “scourge of oversized bags” that delay boarding and disrupt efficient operations. At that time, the airline reported a robust post-tax profit of €820 million for the three months ending June, more than double the previous year’s figure, partly attributed to higher average fares of €51 and strong demand during the Easter period. O’Leary argued that stricter enforcement would lead to faster turnarounds and, ultimately, lower fares for compliant travellers, as the airline passes on operational efficiencies.
The policy has sparked backlash from consumer advocates and passengers alike. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel magazine, described the incentive structure as part of a “messy system” that prioritises profits over clarity, noting the frequent changes to rules and multiple fare options that confuse travellers.
Social media reactions have been swift and divided, with some users praising the measure for curbing what they see as selfish behaviour that slows down flights for everyone, while others decry it as an exploitative tactic designed to extract more euros from already budget-conscious flyers. One prominent financial journalist highlighted the disparity, pointing out that staff earn a mere €1.50 – soon to be €2.50 – while passengers pay €75 or more, questioning the ethics of such “customer service dedication.”
Small bag dimensions to increase
In July, the airline adjusted its free small bag dimensions slightly upward to 40cm by 30cm by 20cm in response to emerging European Union guidelines aiming for standardised allowances across carriers.
The European Parliament’s push for airlines to permit two free cabin items free of charge appears unlikely to materialise soon, according to O’Leary, who dismissed it due to onboard space constraints. Similar incentive schemes have been reported at rival easyJet, where ground staff receive bonuses for enforcing bag checks, further fuelling accusations of an industry-wide “rip-off” culture.
As Ryanair continues to dominate Europe’s short-haul market with its no-frills model, the enhanced bonuses underscore its commitment to ancillary revenues, which now form a crucial pillar of its business. With passenger numbers projected to grow despite aircraft delivery delays from Boeing, the airline remains defiant. O’Leary reiterated that the goal is universal compliance: “If you comply with the rules, no issues. We’re running a very efficient, very affordable, very low-cost airline, and we’re not letting anybody get in the way.” For travellers, the message is clear – pack light or pay the price – as Ryanair doubles down on turning baggage enforcement into a profitable venture.
