Ryanair to Increase Staff Pay for Catching Oversized Bags

(IRELAND) Ryanair will increase bonuses for staff who spot and charge for oversized cabin bags from November 2025, after an announcement on August 27. The airline said the per-bag incentive paid at the gate will rise from €1.50 to €2.50, and the previous €80 monthly cap will be scrapped. That means gate teams can earn without a limit tied to the number of oversized bags they intercept.

Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said he makes “absolutely no apology” for the change, arguing it targets a small minority who try to dodge the rules. Ryanair estimates about 200,000 passengers per year pay at the gate for oversized bags, with a penalty of up to €75/£75, after which the bag goes into the hold.

Current baggage allowances and what changed

Ryanair continues strict enforcement of its baggage policy. As of August 2025, the free allowance on the lowest fare is one small personal bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg. That size was increased in July 2025 to match new EU recommendations; it was previously 40 x 20 x 25 cm.

Passengers who buy Priority or a paid baggage option may bring a larger cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10 kg). Anything bigger than the permitted size that is caught at the gate triggers the fee and is checked into the hold.

Policy changes and enforcement (from November 2025)

• From November, each detected oversized bag will earn a €2.50 bonus for the staff member who flags it.
• The €80 monthly cap on bonus earnings is being removed, so there is no limit on monthly bonus income linked to detections.
• The per-item gate fee remains unchanged at up to €75/£75.

Ryanair says the goal is simple: firm, consistent application of its rules to keep boarding fast and aircraft on time. O’Leary framed the move as support for customers who follow the rules and pay for the bags they bring, wanting ground teams focused on “catching people who are scamming the system,” not penalizing the many travelers who already comply.

The company argues this process helps reduce delays and sets a clear cost for breaking the size limits. It also says nearly all travelers respect the rules, and the added bonus targets the remaining few who do not.

What travelers should expect at the gate

The process is straightforward and consistent:

1. Gate staff measure bags when they suspect an item exceeds the paid allowance.
2. If a bag is too big, the traveler must pay the oversized fee (up to €75/£75).
3. After payment, the bag is placed in the aircraft hold and collected at baggage claim on arrival.

To avoid penalties, passengers should check luggage against Ryanair’s posted limits before leaving home:

• One free personal item: up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm (10 kg), must fit under the seat.
• Paid or Priority cabin bag: up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10 kg).
• Oversized bags found at the gate: penalty of up to €75/£75, bag travels in the hold.

Ryanair directs customers to its help center for the latest rules, sizes, and fees, including details on Priority and additional baggage. You can review current allowances and charges here: Ryanair baggage policy.

Practical tips for travelers:

• Measure bags including wheels and handles.
• Weigh luggage at home to ensure it stays under 10 kg.
• Buy Priority or extra bags ahead of travel — it’s usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
• For families/groups, check everyone’s allowance before security to avoid delays and stress.

Wider industry and regulatory context

The July 2025 increase of the free personal item size to 40 x 30 x 20 cm reflects a broader move in Europe to standardize minimum cabin bag dimensions. However, Ryanair has made clear it will not support proposals to make all cabin baggage free, arguing its business model depends on optional extras and strict baggage limits to keep base fares low.

At the European level, carry-on rules sit within the wider field of passenger rights and airline policies. Travelers can check official guidance on air passenger rights on the European Commission’s website: European Commission air passenger rights. Any EU-wide change would need formal adoption.

Analysis by VisaVerge.com notes:

• The larger free personal item introduced in July gave travelers more room for essentials but did not change Ryanair’s stance on charging for larger carry-ons.
• Removing the bonus cap could further motivate ground teams and might increase the number of oversized bags identified at the gate.
• That could drive more passengers to pre-purchase Priority or extra baggage rather than risk a last-minute charge.

Implications for staff, passengers and airports

• For airport staff: each oversized bag found now brings €2.50 from November onward, with earnings tied directly to detections.
• For passengers: stick to the stated limits or plan to pay. Checking sizes and buying the correct option in advance is the cheapest and least stressful route.
• For airports where quick turnarounds matter: consistent enforcement helps keep lines moving and boarding times short.

Ryanair says about 200,000 passengers a year are charged for oversized bags. The airline’s public stance is that strict rules help keep fares low for everyone who follows them. The increased bonus aims to sharpen enforcement rather than change the underlying baggage policy:

• Free personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (10 kg)
• Paid carry-on: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (10 kg)
• Gate penalty: up to €75/£75, with the bag transferred to the hold
• Staff incentive from November 2025: €2.50 per oversized bag, no €80 monthly cap

Key takeaways and traveler advice

• Plan ahead: measure and weigh bags, and buy Priority or additional baggage if needed.
• Avoid paying at the gate — it is usually the most expensive and inconvenient option.
• Expect firmer checks at the gate from November 2025 as the €2.50 bonus and removal of the €80 cap take effect.
• For the lowest fare, assume you are entitled only to one small personal item; anything else requires a paid option.

With these rules clearly posted and enforced, Ryanair’s message is steady: follow the limits, buy the right options in advance, and you’ll avoid surprise charges and delays.