Ryanair Considers Increased Staff Bonuses for Identifying Oversized Baggage

In a bid to enhance operational efficiency and streamline passenger boarding, Ryanair's Chief Executive Officer, Michael O'Leary, announced that the airline is contemplating an increase in the bonus paid to staff for identifying oversized baggage. The current incentive, set at €1.50 (£1.30), is offered to employees who successfully intercept passengers attempting to board with luggage that exceeds the airline's specified limits. This strategic move aims to address what Ryanair terms the 'scourge of oversized bags,' which not only delays flight boarding but also places undue stress on the majority of passengers who adhere to the airline's baggage regulations.

Ryanair has expressed its commitment to minimizing this issue, citing that over 99% of its passengers comply with the company's baggage rules. In a statement, the airline outlined its intention to incentivize staff to assist in reducing the incidence of oversized bags, which O'Leary described as a significant operational challenge. 'We are determined to eliminate the scourge of oversized bags which delay boarding and are clearly unfair on the over 99% of our passengers who comply with our baggage rules,' Ryanair stated (BBC News, July 3, 2025).

O'Leary elaborated during an interview with RTE's Morning Ireland that raising the bonus is part of a broader strategy to address baggage issues. He emphasized that a small minority of passengers, specifically identified as 0.1%, are responsible for non-compliance, which leads to delays and increased costs for the airline. Ryanair's baggage policy currently allows for a small carry-on bag with specific dimensions, and passengers violating these limits can incur fees up to €75 (£65) (BBC News).

This announcement comes on the heels of a significant profit increase for Ryanair, with the airline reporting an after-tax profit of €820 million (£710.3 million) for the April to June quarter, a substantial rise from €360 million in the previous year. According to O'Leary, this financial boost is attributed to favorable factors such as the timing of Easter and an increase in ticket prices (BBC News).

In light of new European Union regulations, Ryanair has also recently adjusted its baggage allowance, increasing the size limit for free cabin bags. This change is expected to further complicate the enforcement of baggage rules. The airline's strategy reflects its ongoing efforts to balance customer satisfaction with operational efficiency, as it seeks to control costs while maintaining profitability (BBC News).

As Ryanair navigates these challenges, the airline's approach to staff incentives for identifying oversized bags may serve as a model for other airlines facing similar issues. The implications of this policy could resonate across the industry, particularly as airlines strive to enhance their operational protocols in a competitive market.

Looking forward, the efficacy of this incentive program will be monitored closely, with potential ramifications for staff morale and passenger experiences alike. As the airline industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, Ryanair's initiatives underscore the critical importance of effective baggage management in preserving operational integrity and customer satisfaction.