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Budget airline Ryanair is offering financial incentives to staff who identify passengers carrying oversized hand luggage, as European regulators weigh a possible ban on cabin bag charges.
According to a former employee’s payslip reviewed by The Sunday Times, the airline pays a “gate bag bonus” to ground crew for enforcing its carry-on size limits. The employee reported earning approximately £1.30 per oversized item, with a monthly cap of £70.
Ryanair confirmed Saturday that it pays commissions to frontline staff who flag non-compliant bags. Passengers who fail to meet size requirements may face additional fees of up to £65.
“We do pay commission to our agents who identify and charge for oversized bags,” a Ryanair spokesperson said. “These fees apply to fewer than 0.1% of passengers who fail to follow our agreed bag rules.”
“For the 99.9% who comply, we say thank you and keep flying. You have nothing to worry about.”
The Dublin-based carrier allows one small personal item per passenger that must fit beneath the seat in front, measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. Travelers who need larger carry-ons of up to 10kg (within 55cm x 40cm x 20cm) must pay additional fees starting at £5.
Earlier this month, Ryanair said it plans to increase its free carry-on size limit to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
The airline, which reported revenues exceeding £11 billion in its latest financial year, did not disclose how much it allocates for employee gate bonuses.
The European Union is currently considering new rules that could prohibit airlines from charging for standard cabin baggage, potentially affecting policies like Ryanair’s.
With information from The Standard.
