Ryanair Staff Earn Commission for Enforcing Baggage Rules
Ryanair has confirmed that its staff receive commission for identifying and charging passengers who attempt to bring oversized bags on board. This practice has sparked some controversy, as it highlights the airline’s strict approach to baggage regulations.
Although the airline did not disclose the exact amount of commission paid to employees, reports suggest that one employee was paid approximately €1.50 per oversized bag. The commission is capped at around €80 per staff member each month. Ryanair stated that it is “determined to eliminate the scourge of oversized bags,” emphasizing the importance of compliance with its baggage rules.
Passengers traveling with Ryanair are allowed to bring a “small personal bag” that must fit under the seat in front of them. Additionally, travelers can pay for the option to carry a 10kg cabin bag, which can be stored in the overhead locker or checked as baggage. If either of these bags does not fit the sizers at the gate, passengers will be required to pay a fee to check the bag into the hold. The cost of this fee varies depending on the route and fare type.
A Ryanair spokesperson explained that oversized cabin bags cause delays during boarding and are unfair to the majority of passengers who follow the rules. They said, “We do pay commission to our agents who identify and charge for oversized bags, but these fees are paid by less than 0.1pc of passengers who don’t comply with our agreed bags rules.”
The airline also emphasized that its message to non-compliant passengers is clear: “Please comply with our generous bag rules or you will be charged at check-in or at the gate. For the 99.9pc of our passengers who comply with our rules, we say thank you and keep flying as you have nothing to worry about.”
Changes to Baggage Policies
Ryanair recently announced an update to its free personal bag policy. The size of the free personal bag that all passengers can bring on board will increase from 40 x 25 x 20cm to 40 x 30 x 20cm. However, the dimensions for the 10kg carry-on bag will remain unchanged at 55 x 40 x 20cm.
This change comes amid ongoing discussions about potential updates to air passenger rights in the EU. Ryanair is among several airlines implementing changes in response to these developments. The airline has also denied claims that it has introduced stricter policies for carry-on bags, despite speculation earlier this year.
According to Ryanair’s current baggage policy, if a small or 10kg bag does not fit the sizers at the gate, passengers will be charged between €35.99 and €60 to check the bag into the hold. The exact fee depends on the destination and the type of ticket purchased.
A Growing Concern for Passengers
With the increasing focus on baggage regulations, many travelers are becoming more aware of the rules and the potential costs associated with non-compliance. Airlines like Ryanair continue to enforce strict policies, often leading to additional charges for passengers who are unaware of the specific requirements.
As the aviation industry evolves, so too do the expectations and responsibilities placed on both airlines and passengers. For those who fly frequently, understanding and adhering to baggage rules is essential to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smoother travel experience.
