Ryanair raises bonuses for staff who spot oversized bags at boarding gates

“99.9% of Ryanair passengers comply with the bag rules, no issues. (...) That 0.1%, we need to get rid of them. We need to get rid of those big bags. Everybody has to play by the rules, and then there'll be no issues, but we are going to continue to catch more people."

Other budget airlines in Europe are adopting similar measures. easyJet introduced a comparable bonus system for ground staff in July 2025, rewarding employees for every oversized bag they identify before boarding. Both airlines argue that strict enforcement helps keep turnaround times short—a key factor in maximizing aircraft use and maintaining efficiency in low-cost operations.

While most airlines have specific guidelines distinguishing personal items from carry-on luggage, few enforce these rules as strictly as some European budget carriers do. In markets like the United States, such aggressive enforcement may not be as widely accepted due to different consumer expectations and market conditions.

Ancillary revenues from baggage fees represent a significant portion of profits for low-cost carriers like Ryanair. Strict compliance helps maintain their business model by ensuring base fares remain competitive while generating income through penalties and additional services.

Ryanair operates a fleet of 591 aircraft and is based in Ireland with major hubs at Dublin Airport, London Stansted Airport, and Milan Bergamo Airport.