Ryanair plans to increase bonuses paid to staff who catch passengers attempting to board with oversized luggage. The budget airline's chief executive Michael O'Leary announced the policy change during a press conference in central London, defending the strict enforcement of baggage rules.
O'Leary said he makes "absolutely no apology" for targeting passengers who are "scamming the system". The airline boss emphasised his commitment to maintaining strict luggage compliance across all flights.
Staff incentive details
Gate staff bonuses will rise from €1.50 (£1.29) to €2.50 (£2.16) per oversized bag intercepted from November. The current monthly cap of €80 (£68.98) will also be removed, allowing staff to earn unlimited bonuses for enforcement.
Passengers face charges of up to £75 if oversized bags must be placed in the aircraft hold after reaching the boarding gate. Ryanair's lowest fares include only one small bag that fits under the seat in front.
Zero tolerance approach
O'Leary expressed frustration at passengers who continue to test the system. "I am still mystified by the number of people with rucksacks who still think they're going to get through the gate and we won't notice the rucksack," he said.
"We will, and you will be paying for the rucksack. You're not getting on if it doesn't fit," the chief executive added. He revealed that approximately 200,000 passengers per year are charged luggage fees at airport gates.
The airline transported 200 million passengers in the year ending March. O'Leary stated that despite the high volume of compliance, "we have more work to do to get rid of them" regarding rule-breaking passengers.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
