Ryanair Increases Oversized Cabin Bag Bonus to €2.50 for Staff, Encouraging Passenger Compliance with Baggage Rules

Ryanair Boosts Staff Bonuses to Enforce Strict Baggage Rules

London, United Kingdom – August 28, 2025 – Ryanair is escalating its efforts to maintain strict carry-on baggage policies by significantly increasing bonuses paid to airport personnel who identify oversized luggage. The airline’s Chief Executive, michael O’Leary, announced the move, effectively incentivizing staff to enforce size limitations and collect fees from passengers with non-compliant bags.

Increased Incentives for Baggage Checks

Starting in November with the commencement of the winter schedule, Ryanair will raise the bonus for each oversized carry-on bag flagged from €1.50 to €2.50. Crucially, the airline is also removing the previous monthly cap of €80 on these bonuses, allowing staff to earn unlimited rewards for identifying improperly sized bags. O’Leary stated the policy’s intention is to discourage passengers from attempting to circumvent the existing rules.

the move comes amidst ongoing passenger frustration with the airline’s baggage fees, which can reach up to £75 for bags exceeding the permitted dimensions. Many travelers have expressed anger over what they perceive as overly zealous enforcement and the financial incentive for staff to find infractions.

A Wider Trend in airline Baggage Policies

Ryanair is not alone in employing such tactics. Reports surfaced earlier this year that swissport staff at EasyJet flights were receiving bonuses of £1.20 per oversized bag.This suggests a broader industry trend towards stricter enforcement and financial incentives to maximize revenue from baggage fees. The practice highlights the delicate balance airlines strike between maximizing profitability and maintaining positive customer relations.

Ryanair’s Baggage Allowance: A Quick Guide

Currently, Ryanair allows all passengers to bring one small personal bag on board free of charge, with dimensions not exceeding 40x30x20cm. A second, larger cabin bag (typically a small wheelie suitcase with dimensions up to 55x40x20cm) is permitted for an additional fee, often less expensive than checking the bag into the hold.

baggage type	Dimensions	Fee
Small Personal Bag	40x30x20cm	Free
Large Cabin Bag	55x40x20cm	Variable (typically lower than hold baggage)
Hold Baggage	variable	Highest Fee

O’Leary, though, defended the policy, arguing that the vast majority of passengers comply with the rules and that the fees primarily affect a small minority attempting to exploit the system. He estimated that less than 0.1% of passengers pay a gate bag fee, despite generating approximately 200,000 such instances annually. He contends that this revenue is essential for maintaining low base fares.

Did You Know? Airlines often adjust baggage policies and fees based on seasonal demand and operational costs. Staying informed about the latest regulations is crucial for avoiding unexpected charges.

Despite the controversy, O’Leary asserts that Ryanair’s focus remains on providing affordable travel. He emphasizes the airline’s commitment to efficiency and its refusal to allow rule-breaking to undermine its low-cost business model.

Pro Tip: Carefully measure your carry-on baggage before traveling with Ryanair. Utilizing a baggage sizer tool can prevent surprises at the gate and help you avoid costly fees.

are you likely to change your flight choices based on baggage fee policies? how do you feel about airlines incentivizing staff to enforce carry-on rules?

Understanding Airline Baggage Fee Strategies

Airline baggage fees have become a important revenue stream in recent years, notably for low-cost carriers. These fees allow airlines to offer lower base fares, attracting price-sensitive travelers. However, the complex and often-changing rules surrounding baggage allowances can be frustrating for passengers. Understanding the strategies behind these fees can help travelers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs. key considerations include:

• Dimension Limits: Carefully check the size restrictions for both carry-on and checked baggage.
• Weight Limits: Be aware of weight limits to avoid overweight baggage fees.
• Pre-Booking Options: Often, pre-booking baggage online is cheaper than paying at the airport.
• Frequent Flyer Perks: Some airlines offer free or reduced baggage fees to frequent flyer members.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ryanair Baggage

• What is Ryanair’s free baggage allowance? Ryanair allows one small personal bag (40x30x20cm) free of charge.
• How much does a cabin bag cost on Ryanair? The price of a cabin bag varies depending on the route and time of booking.
• What happens if my bag is too big for Ryanair? Passengers with oversized bags are typically charged a fee and their luggage is placed in the hold.
• Are Ryanair baggage rules strict? Yes, ryanair is known for its strict enforcement of baggage rules.
• Why is Ryanair increasing bonuses for baggage checks? To deter passengers from bringing oversized bags and to enforce its baggage policy effectively.
• What are the dimensions for a Ryanair large carry on? The dimensions for a Ryanair large carry on are 55x40x20cm.
• Do airlines regularly change baggage allowances? Yes, airlines frequently adjust their baggage policies, so it’s important to check the latest information before you travel.

Share your thoughts on Ryanair’s new policy in the comments below! Let us know how these changes will affect your travel plans.

How does the increased staff bonus directly aim to improve Ryanair’s operational efficiency?

Ryanair is implementing a novel approach to managing cabin baggage compliance: increasing the reward for staff who identify passengers attempting to board with oversized cabin bags. As of August 2025, Ryanair employees will receive a €2.50 bonus for each passenger flagged with an incorrectly sized bag, up from previous incentive levels. This strategy aims to streamline boarding procedures and reduce delays caused by baggage disputes. Understanding Ryanair’s baggage policy is crucial for travellers seeking a smooth airport experience.

Why the Bonus Increase? addressing Cabin Bag Issues

For years, Ryanair has been known for its strict baggage rules and associated fees.The airline’s policy, designed to keep fares low, often leads to passenger frustration and boarding delays as travellers attempt to navigate the size and weight restrictions. The increased staff bonus is a direct response to ongoing challenges with oversized cabin bags and a desire to improve operational efficiency.

Reduced Boarding Times: Faster boarding translates to quicker turnaround times for aircraft, allowing Ryanair to maintain its tight schedule.

Increased Revenue: Passengers with oversized bags are directed to check them, incurring additional fees which contribute to the airline’s revenue.

Fairness to Compliant Passengers: Enforcing the rules ensures that passengers who adhere to the baggage allowance aren’t inconvenienced by those attempting to circumvent the system.

Ryanair’s Current Cabin Baggage Allowance (2025)

Staying within the permitted baggage limits is key to avoiding extra charges. Here’s a breakdown of Ryanair’s 2025 cabin baggage allowance, based on data available as of August 28, 2025 [1]:

Standard Ticket: Passengers with a standard ticket are permitted one small personal bag (40x20x25cm) which must fit under the seat in front.

Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: Passengers who purchase Priority & 2 Cabin Bags are allowed one cabin bag (55x40x20cm) and one small personal bag. The cabin bag must fit in the overhead lockers.

Oversized Bag Fees: Bags exceeding the permitted dimensions are considered oversized and must be checked into the hold, incurring a fee. These fees vary depending on the route and time of booking.

Weight Limits: Both cabin and personal bags are subject to weight limits. Exceeding these limits will also result in fees.

The Impact on Passengers: What You Need to Know

The increased bonus for Ryanair staff means passengers can expect stricter enforcement of baggage rules. Here’s how this impacts your travel plans:

1. Measure Your Bag: Before heading to the airport, carefully measure your cabin bag to ensure it meets Ryanair’s dimensions.don’t rely on estimates.
2. Weigh Your Bag: Use a luggage scale to verify your bag’s weight.Overweight bags will be flagged, even if they meet the size requirements.
3. consider Priority Boarding: If you anticipate needing to bring a larger cabin bag, purchasing Priority & 2 Cabin Bags is a worthwhile investment.
4. Be Prepared for Checks: Expect more frequent and thorough baggage checks at the boarding gate.
5. Understand Check-In Fees: if your bag is oversized or overweight, be prepared to pay the applicable check-in fees. These fees are generally higher at the airport than when pre-booked online.

Real-World Examples & Passenger experiences

While specific documented cases directly linked to the bonus increase are still emerging (August 2025), anecdotal reports from travellers indicate a noticeable increase in baggage checks at several European airports. Social media platforms are filled with passengers sharing experiences of having their bags measured and weighed more rigorously. This suggests the incentive is already having an effect on staff vigilance.

Benefits of Compliance: A Smoother Travel Experience

Adhering to Ryanair’s baggage policy offers several benefits:

Avoidance of Fees: The most obvious benefit is avoiding perhaps hefty baggage fees.

Faster Boarding: Compliant passengers contribute to a smoother and quicker boarding process for everyone.

Reduced stress: Knowing your bag meets the requirements eliminates the stress of potential issues at the gate.

Peace of Mind: You can relax knowing you won’t be forced to check your bag and potentially lose valuable time.

Resources for Further Information

Ryanair’s Official Website: https://www.ryanair.com/ – For the most up-to-date baggage policy information.

* MyBaggage.com: https://www.mybaggage.com/shipping/airlines/ryanair-baggage-allowance/ – A helpful resource for understanding Ryanair’s baggage allowance and restrictions.