Ryanair Tightens Hand Luggage Rules, Staff Incentivized for Fines
Airline boosts employee bonuses for detecting oversized carry-ons
Frequent travelers face increased scrutiny as Ryanair prepares to enforce stricter hand luggage policies. The budget airline is intensifying checks, potentially leading to unexpected fees for passengers caught with bags exceeding new, slightly expanded dimensions.
The Incentive Scheme Revealed
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, has confirmed a financial incentive program for employees who identify passengers with non-compliant hand luggage. Staff reportedly receive €1.50 for each oversized bag detected, a policy designed to curb rule-breaking and boost revenue. This measure aims to ensure passengers adhere to carry-on size regulations.
Stricter Gate Checks Ahead
To further enforce these regulations, Ryanair is increasing the bonus payout potential for its staff. This policy change, effective soon, suggests a heightened focus on bag dimension checks directly at the departure gate, potentially catching more passengers unprepared for the stricter enforcement.
New Luggage Dimensions Announced
Starting August 1, 2025, Ryanair will slightly increase the maximum permitted dimensions for hand luggage from 40x25x20 cm to 40x30x20 cm. While offering a minor increase in space, the airline emphasizes that this change is coupled with more rigorous checks, prompting travelers to double-check their bag sizes.
This policy update has drawn criticism, with many passengers viewing it as an aggressive revenue-generating tactic. Despite the airline’s claim that 99.9% of passengers comply with current rules, the new bonus structure suggests a more proactive approach to compliance enforcement.
Passenger Reaction and Future Travel
The move has sparked debate among travelers, with many questioning whether the slight increase in allowable dimensions justifies the stricter enforcement and potential for fines. Passengers are advised to meticulously verify their luggage measurements before traveling with Ryanair to avoid unexpected charges.
