Ryanair May Raise Rewards for Staff Who Spot Oversized Baggage - OK! Magazine

Ryanair is considering increasing the bonus it gives employees for identifying passengers with oversized luggage, as per the company's CEO. Currently, the budget airline gives staff around 1.50 euros (£1.30) each time they catch customers trying to board with bags that don't meet regulations.

Reports suggest that this incentive is capped at around 80 euros (£70) per staff member per month. In contrast, travelers can face fines of up to 75 euros (£65) when caught with luggage larger than what they initially paid for when booking.

The airline's standard ticket includes one small carry-on bag with dimensions limited to 40x20x25cm and a weight limit of 10kg. Additional charges apply for passengers who wish to bring larger bags or multiple pieces of luggage.

Speaking recently, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary mentioned that summer ticket prices would be similar to 2023 levels on average, with expectations of increased profits through cost management.

Members of the European Parliament are advocating for airlines to allow passengers one free personal item along with a small carry-on bag. However, Mr. O'Leary expressed skepticism about this proposal becoming law, citing space limitations. During an interview on RTE's Morning Ireland discussing business news, he addressed the challenges of managing luggage on their flights.

He stated: 'Our flights are usually full, with half the passengers allowed two bags and the other half only one – because that's all that fits. We are already dealing with a significant amount of baggage, which is why we are proactive in addressing passengers with excess luggage.'

Mr. O'Leary highlighted the airline's high compliance rate with baggage regulations, mentioning that luggage sizers are provided at the airport for passengers to use. He added: 'We are happy to reward our staff with a portion of the excess baggage fees, which we believe will decrease in the next year or two.'

The CEO also hinted at potential changes to baggage fees, stating: 'Currently, it's around 1.50 euros per bag – and we are considering increasing it to eliminate the issue.'

Regarding international trade tensions, O'Leary shared his insights on US President Donald Trump's standpoint on tariffs. He predicted: 'Trump will likely back down again, I anticipate the August 1 deadline will be pushed to September or October.'

He also commented on the delivery of new aircraft and the potential impact of tariffs, saying: 'We have received five aircraft in the first quarter without any tariffs applied. There is a risk of tariffs being imposed by either the Europeans or Americans in some kind of tit-for-tat situation in August, September, or October – but Boeing will be responsible for those tariffs.'

Mr. O'Leary disclosed that Ryanair would work with Boeing to ensure commercial aircraft remain tariff-free, arguing that such measures would negatively affect both Boeing's European exports and Airbus's American sales, as well as Ireland's aircraft leasing industry.

He continued: 'There is growing optimism in Washington that commercial aircraft will be exempt from tariffs – assuming Trump actually implements them.'