Dublin, July 24 - Ryanair, the Dublin-based low-cost airline, is contemplating an increase in the financial incentives it offers to staff for identifying passengers with oversized luggage at boarding gates. This move, announced by the airline’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, aims to further tighten enforcement of its strict baggage policies, which the company claims are violated by a small but disruptive minority of travelers. Currently, Ryanair employees receive approximately €1.50 for each oversized bag they detect, with a reported monthly cap of around €80 per staff member. Passengers found with luggage exceeding the permitted dimensions face fees of up to €75, depending on the route and travel date.
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The airline’s decision to consider raising this bonus comes as part of its ongoing campaign to eliminate what it describes as the “scourge of oversized bags,” which it says causes delays during boarding and creates unfairness for the vast majority of passengers who adhere to the rules. Ryanair’s baggage policy allows each passenger a free small carry-on bag, currently limited to 40cm x 20cm x 25cm with a maximum weight of 10kg, designed to fit under the seat. However, in response to new European Union regulations mandating a minimum standard for free cabin luggage, Ryanair plans to increase this allowance to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in the coming weeks, offering a 20% increase in volume. This adjustment aligns with the EU’s push for standardized baggage rules across airlines, aiming to provide clarity for frequent travelers.
Despite this expansion, Ryanair remains firm on enforcing size limits, with O’Leary emphasizing that the airline operates near-full flights, where space constraints necessitate strict compliance. Passengers wishing to bring larger or additional bags must pay extra fees, with non-compliance resulting in hefty charges at the gate or the bag being placed in the hold. The potential increase in staff bonuses follows Ryanair’s confirmation of a “gate bag bonus” program, which had previously been denied by the airline’s chief marketing officer. The scheme was exposed through a leaked payslip from a former employee, prompting Ryanair to acknowledge its existence. The airline insists that fewer than 0.1% of its 200 million annual passengers are affected by these fees, framing the policy as a necessary measure to ensure smooth operations. O’Leary has expressed confidence that stricter enforcement, incentivized by higher bonuses, will deter non-compliance and reduce excess baggage over time.
This initiative coincides with a strong financial performance, with Ryanair reporting profits after tax of €820 million for the April to June 2025 period, more than doubling the previous year’s €360 million, driven by higher fares and favorable Easter timing. As the airline navigates potential challenges like EU-US trade tensions and air traffic control issues, its focus on cost control and baggage enforcement underscores its strategy to maintain profitability while adhering to evolving regulatory standards. Travelers are advised to carefully check luggage dimensions to avoid unexpected fees at the gate.