Ryanair pays staff bonuses for spotting oversized luggage

Ryanair has introduced a financial incentive for its employees to identify bags that exceed the airline’s size limits. Staff receive €2.50 for each oversized piece of luggage they flag, with the previous monthly cap on the bonus removed. The policy was confirmed publicly by CEO Michael O'Leary, who said the measure aims to curb passengers attempting to bring larger bags on board. Ryanair’s standard free cabin allowance is a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm that must fit under the seat. The airline argues the scheme has already reduced the proportion of passengers caught with oversized bags.

The bonus system has drawn criticism for linking employee earnings to passenger penalties, but Ryanair maintains it is an effective way to enforce its baggage rules across its European network.