Scottish Airport Staff Receive Cash Bonuses for Spotting Oversize Bags

Key Takeaways

• Since November 2023, Scottish airport staff earn £1.20 per oversized bag identified on easyJet flights.
• Passengers with oversize bags face £48 fees and must check bags in the hold at the gate.
• Policy causes staff safety concerns and passenger frustration, with conflicts at gates reported regularly.

Airport Staff at Scottish Airports Receive Cash Bonuses for Spotting Oversize Bags on easyJet Flights

As of July 7, 2025, airport staff at several major UK airports—including Scottish airports such as Glasgow—are receiving cash bonuses for identifying passengers with oversized cabin bags, especially on easyJet flights. This policy, which began in November 2023, remains active and has sparked strong reactions from staff, passengers, and industry experts. The scheme, known as the “easyJet gate bag revenue incentive,” is part of a wider effort by airlines and ground handling companies to enforce baggage rules more strictly and boost revenue from extra charges.

Who Is Involved and What Is Happening?

The main players in this policy are Swissport, a large aviation services provider, and easyJet, a popular low-cost airline. Swissport operates at 296 airports, including several Scottish airports like Glasgow, as well as Belfast, Birmingham, Jersey, Liverpool, and Newcastle. Under the current scheme, Swissport staff receive £1.20 (£1 after tax) for every oversized bag they identify at the boarding gate. This bonus is paid directly to the staff member who spots the non-compliant bag.

Other ground handling companies, such as DHL Supply Chain, have similar incentive programs at airports like Gatwick, Bristol, and Manchester. The focus is mainly on easyJet flights, but the policy could apply to other airlines as well.

The policy was first shared with staff in November 2023 through an email from Dean Martin, a Swissport station manager at Glasgow Airport. As of July 2025, the incentive remains in place, with no official announcements about ending or changing the scheme.

How Does the Policy Work?

easyJet’s baggage policy allows each passenger to bring one small under-seat cabin bag for free. If a passenger wants to bring a larger cabin bag that needs to go in the overhead locker, they must pay a fee when booking their ticket. These fees range from £5.99 to £32.99 if paid in advance.

However, if a passenger arrives at the gate with a bag that is too big or has not paid for a larger bag, they face a £48 charge. The bag is then placed in the aircraft’s hold, and the staff member who identified the oversized bag receives their cash bonus.

To check bag sizes, staff use metal frames or boxes at the gate. If the bag does not fit inside the frame, it is considered oversized, and the passenger must pay the fee. This process is especially common on easyJet flights, where strict baggage rules are enforced.

Why Was This Policy Introduced?

The incentive scheme was introduced as airlines and ground handling companies looked for ways to increase revenue and make sure passengers follow baggage rules. Over the past few years, airlines have relied more on extra fees, known as “ancillary revenue,” to keep ticket prices low while covering rising costs.

By rewarding staff for spotting oversized bags, companies hope to encourage stricter enforcement of baggage policies. This, in turn, leads to more passengers paying extra fees at the gate, boosting revenue for both the airline and the ground handling company.

What Are the Reactions from Staff and Passengers?

The policy has caused strong reactions, especially among staff at Scottish airports like Glasgow. Many workers say the scheme puts them in difficult situations, as they often face angry or upset passengers who are surprised by the extra charges.

One staff member told the Jersey Evening Post, “You get a family going on holiday with a couple of kids, and when they get to the gate, you’re taking another £80 off them for two bags. A lot of passengers get stroppy about it, and it’s the staff who are getting the flak for that.”

Staff have also raised safety concerns, saying that enforcing the policy can lead to abuse or threats from frustrated passengers. Some workers feel that the small cash bonus is not enough to make up for the stress and risk involved in these confrontations.

Passengers, on the other hand, have voiced frustration over the strict enforcement and high fees. Many say the extra charges can be higher than the cost of their ticket, especially for families or groups traveling together. Some passengers feel the rules are not clearly explained when they book their flights, leading to unpleasant surprises at the gate.

How Does This Affect Scottish Airports and Travelers?

The impact of this policy is felt most strongly at Scottish airports like Glasgow, where staff are directly involved in enforcing the rules and passengers are more likely to face extra charges. The incentive scheme encourages staff to be strict about bag sizes, which means more passengers are being charged at the gate.

For travelers, this can make the airport experience more stressful, especially if they are not aware of the baggage rules or if they are traveling with children or in a group. The policy has also led to more tension at boarding gates, with some passengers arguing with staff or refusing to pay the fees.

For staff, the scheme has created a difficult work environment, with many feeling caught between following company rules and dealing with upset passengers. Some workers worry that the focus on bonuses could hurt customer service and damage the reputation of both the airline and the airport.

Industry Background and Wider Context

The introduction of cash bonuses for spotting oversized bags is part of a larger trend in the airline industry. Over the past decade, airlines have increasingly relied on extra fees for things like baggage, seat selection, and food to keep ticket prices low. This approach is especially common among low-cost carriers like easyJet.

Ground handling companies, which provide services like check-in, baggage handling, and boarding, are under pressure to help airlines enforce these rules and collect extra revenue. By offering bonuses to staff, companies hope to encourage stricter enforcement and reduce the number of passengers who try to bring oversized bags without paying.

However, this approach has also led to criticism from unions, passenger rights groups, and some industry experts. They argue that the focus on revenue can hurt customer service and create unnecessary conflict at airports.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

For Staff at Scottish Airports:
– Increased pressure to enforce baggage rules strictly
– Frequent confrontations with angry or upset passengers
– Safety concerns due to potential abuse or threats
– Small financial reward (£1 per bag after tax) compared to the stress involved

For Passengers:
– Higher risk of unexpected fees at the gate, especially for families or groups
– Possible confusion about baggage rules and charges
– More stressful airport experience due to strict enforcement

For Airlines and Ground Handling Companies:
– Increased revenue from extra baggage fees
– Potential damage to reputation if passengers feel unfairly treated
– Risk of negative publicity and staff dissatisfaction

For the Industry:
– Trend toward stricter enforcement of baggage rules
– Growing reliance on ancillary revenue to keep ticket prices low
– Ongoing debate about the best way to balance revenue and customer service

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Aviation industry analysts say that incentive schemes like the one at Scottish airports can help increase compliance with baggage rules and boost revenue. However, they warn that these policies can also hurt customer relations and lower staff morale if not managed carefully.

Experts recommend that airlines and ground handling companies:
– Communicate baggage rules more clearly to passengers before they travel
– Consider alternative ways to enforce rules that do not rely on confrontational gate checks
– Provide better training and support for staff dealing with difficult situations

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the key to making these policies work is transparency and fairness. Passengers need to know exactly what to expect before they arrive at the airport, and staff need to feel supported and safe when enforcing the rules.

What Does the Future Hold?

As of July 2025, there have been no official announcements about ending or changing the cash bonus scheme at Scottish airports or other UK airports. However, ongoing media attention and complaints from staff and passengers may lead to further review or adjustments in the coming months.

Unions and passenger rights groups are likely to keep pushing for changes to reduce confrontational enforcement and make the process more transparent. Airlines and ground handling companies may need to find new ways to balance the need for extra revenue with the importance of good customer service and staff well-being.

Summary Table: Scottish Airport Staff Oversize Bag Bonus Scheme (2025)

What Should Passengers Do?

If you are flying from a Scottish airport, especially with easyJet, it is important to know the baggage rules before you travel. Here are some practical steps to avoid extra fees and stress at the airport:

• Check the airline’s baggage policy before you pack. easyJet allows one small under-seat cabin bag for free. If you need a larger bag, pay for it in advance to avoid higher fees at the gate.
• Measure your bag to make sure it fits within the allowed dimensions. Use a tape measure or check the airline’s website for size limits.
• Arrive at the airport early and be prepared for your bag to be checked at the gate.
• If you are unsure about your bag size, ask at check-in or look for information at the airport.
• Be polite and patient with staff, who are following company rules and may be under pressure.

For more details on easyJet’s baggage policy and updates, you can visit the easyJet official website.

What Can Staff and Unions Do?

Staff at Scottish airports who are concerned about the policy can:
– Raise concerns with managers or union representatives
– Report any abuse or threats to airport security or the police
– Ask for more training or support in dealing with difficult situations

Unions and staff groups may continue to push for changes to the policy, such as better communication with passengers, higher bonuses for staff, or alternative ways to enforce baggage rules.

Official Contacts and Resources

If you have questions or complaints about the policy, you can contact:
– Swissport: Visit the Swissport official website for statements or customer service.
– easyJet: For baggage rules and updates, check the easyJet official website.
– Airport authorities: Each airport has a customer service or complaints department for specific issues.

For official information on passenger rights and airport policies in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, you can visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The cash bonus scheme for spotting oversized bags at Scottish airports, especially on easyJet flights, is a clear example of how airlines and ground handling companies are trying to enforce baggage rules and boost revenue. While the policy may help increase compliance, it has also led to more confrontations, stress for staff, and frustration for passengers.

If you are traveling through a Scottish airport, make sure you know the baggage rules and prepare your bags carefully to avoid extra charges. Staff should continue to raise concerns and ask for support if needed. As the debate continues, it is likely that airlines, ground handling companies, and regulators will need to find better ways to balance revenue, customer service, and staff safety.

By staying informed and prepared, both passengers and staff can help make the airport experience smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Learn Today

Oversized Bag → A cabin bag exceeding allowed size limits requiring extra fees or checking.
Ancillary Revenue → Extra income airlines earn from fees besides ticket sales, like baggage charges.
Ground Handling Company → A firm providing airport services such as boarding and baggage management.
Incentive Scheme → A program rewarding employees financially for specific performance, here spotting oversized bags.
Baggage Policy → Rules governing carry-on and checked luggage sizes, fees, and handling procedures.

This Article in a Nutshell

Scottish airport staff receive cash bonuses for spotting oversized bags on easyJet flights, enforcing stricter baggage rules. Passengers face extra fees, increasing disputes at gates. This scheme aims to boost revenue but raises safety and service concerns among staff and travelers, highlighting tension in airport operations.
— By VisaVerge.com