Tougher Enforcement at Boarding Gates
Ryanair is stepping up its efforts to crack down on oversized cabin bags. Starting November, the Irish budget airline will increase staff bonuses for spotting non-compliant luggage at boarding gates from €1.50 to €2.50 per bag, while also removing the €80 monthly cap.
Passengers caught with oversized bags face fees of up to €75 to check their luggage into the hold.
CEO Michael O’Leary defended the move during a press conference in London:
“We want everybody to comply with the rules. If you comply with the rules, no issues.”
What’s Changing for Passengers?
- Basic fare: includes one small under-seat item (max. 40 x 30 x 20 cm).
- Second cabin bag: such as a small wheelie case, allowed only if pre-paid.
- At the gate: oversized bags without pre-payment will incur €75 hold fees.
O’Leary noted that only 0.1% of Ryanair passengers (around 200,000 a year) are caught breaking the rules, but said stricter enforcement is necessary to maintain low fares and punctual flights.
“I am still mystified by the number of people with rucksacks who think they’re going to get through the gate and we won’t notice,” he said. “We will, and you will be paying for the rucksack.”
Industry-Wide Trend
Ryanair is not alone in incentivizing staff to enforce baggage rules. Rival carrier easyJet has also used bonus schemes, while Swissport baggage handlers reportedly earn £1.20 (€1.40) per oversized bag flagged.
Meanwhile, the low-cost airline sector is undergoing broader changes:
- Southwest Airlines (US) has abandoned its long-standing open seating policy.
- The carrier also announced plus-size passengers must purchase extra seats, sparking controversy.
- In Europe, the EU is advancing legislation that would guarantee passengers the right to bring one piece of hand luggage free of charge.
Analysts warn that such regulation, if passed, could eliminate a major revenue stream for budget carriers. Airlines may respond by raising fares or finding new ways to monetize services.
Ryanair’s Firm Stance
Despite potential regulatory challenges, Ryanair insists it will continue to enforce its baggage policies aggressively.
“I want our ground handling people to be catching people who are scamming the system,” O’Leary said. “And I make absolutely no apology for it whatsoever.”
