Ryanair Staff Earn Commission for Policing Bag Sizes
Airline Confirms Payouts for Oversized Carry-Ons
Ryanair has confirmed its ground staff receive commission for identifying and charging passengers with bags that exceed the airline’s size restrictions. This practice aims to enforce baggage rules and ensure smoother boarding processes.
Financial Incentives for Bag Enforcement
While the exact commission amount remains undisclosed by the airline, reports suggest employees may receive approximately €1.50 per oversized bag detected. This incentive is reportedly capped at around €80 per staff member monthly.
A spokesperson for Ryanair stated the company is “determined to eliminate the scourge of oversized bags.” They added that these fees are paid by a very small fraction of passengers who fail to adhere to the agreed-upon baggage regulations.
Passenger Bagging Rules Clarified
Ryanair permits all passengers one small personal bag, which must fit beneath the seat in front. For larger items, travellers can opt to pay for a 10kg cabin bag or checked baggage.
Should a small or 10kg bag not fit the designated sizers at the departure gate, passengers will incur a fee to have it stowed in the aircraft’s hold. This charge varies based on the specific flight route and fare chosen.
In a recent update, Ryanair announced an increase in the dimensions for the free personal bag, expanding it from 40 x 25 x 20cm to 40 x 30 x 20cm. The allowance for a 10kg carry-on remains unchanged at 55 x 40 x 20cm.
This policy aligns with evolving air passenger rights discussions across the European Union. Ryanair has refuted earlier speculation about a stricter stance on carry-on baggage implementation.
Fees for checking oversized bags at the gate can range from €35.99 to €60, contingent on the flight’s destination and the customer’s selected ticket type.
The airline’s commitment to enforcing baggage rules comes as air travel faces increased scrutiny over passenger fees. In 2023, European airlines collected over €2 billion in baggage fees alone (Experian, 2024).
