Ryanair is reviewing its internal incentive structure for cabin crew, with plans to increase bonuses for staff who identify non-compliant cabin bags at boarding. The move, confirmed by Chief Executive Michael O’Leary, comes amid broader efforts by the airline to tighten cost controls and enhance profitability during the peak summer travel season.

• Ryanair
• Michael O’Leary

Currently, crew members can earn approximately €1.50 for each oversized bag flagged at the gate, a practice known internally as the “gate bag bonus.” Monthly earnings from the scheme are reportedly capped at about €80 per employee. However, under the proposed changes, these payments may rise—though the exact figures have not yet been disclosed. O’Leary described the review as part of Ryanair’s ongoing operational efficiency measures, saying it was important for the airline to “maintain discipline” around ancillary revenues while keeping base fares low.

• Ryanair
• O’Leary

Passengers found with luggage exceeding size limits are charged fees of up to €75 at the gate. Only one small bag, soon to be redefined as 40 by 30 by 20 centimeters, is permitted without charge. The updated dimensions—set to expand marginally from the existing allowance—are scheduled to take effect later this year, increasing total free cabin volume to 24 liters. Larger bags continue to incur extra costs unless checked in advance.

The bonus scheme has sparked debate following conflicting accounts from Ryanair’s senior leadership. In April, Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady publicly denied that staff received any form of commission for baggage enforcement, emphasizing that gate checks were aimed purely at managing limited overhead bin space. However, leaked internal documents and staff payslips, first circulated this month, confirmed that monetary rewards have in fact been standard practice—raising questions about transparency and internal communication.

• Chief Marketing Officer

Critics point to a potential conflict of interest, suggesting that financial incentives may encourage disproportionately strict enforcement or inconsistent application of baggage rules. Some industry observers argue that frontline staff, under pressure to meet targets, could interpret guidelines in a way that maximizes charges rather than ensures fair treatment for passengers.

“The issue isn’t just about the fee—it’s about clarity and consistency,” commented one recently affected passenger, who was charged at the gate despite measuring their bag in advance. “It felt arbitrary.”

According to Ryanair, fewer than 0.1% of its 200 million annual passengers face gate bag fees, a figure the airline cites in defense of the policy. A company spokesperson maintained that the incentives in question are minor and not intended to dominate staff income. “Our crew work hard to ensure timely departures and consistent application of policies,” the statement read, emphasizing operational efficiency.

• Ryanair

Similar practices are not unique to Ryanair. Other budget carriers, including those working with ground service providers like Swissport, reportedly offer related incentives to staff overseeing boarding procedures. These mechanisms, while often small in monetary terms, remain a significant aspect of ultra-low-cost airline business models—where ancillary revenues from baggage, seat selection, and food services provide vital income streams.

• Swissport
• Ultra-low-cost

In parallel, European lawmakers are revisiting regulations that would standardize rules around cabin baggage allowances across the EU. One proposal includes requiring airlines to permit both a personal item and a small piece of hand luggage free of charge. While no final decision has been made, such measures could eventually place limits on fee-based enforcement of hand baggage policies, including bonus-linked detection.

• European Union

For now, Ryanair is seeing steady passenger volumes, with O’Leary noting that fares this summer have remained broadly flat compared to 2023 levels despite inflationary pressures. The airline also continues to monitor external risks, including potential tariffs on incoming Boeing aircraft, which could affect future fleet costs and delivery timelines.

• Boeing

As the airline navigates upcoming regulatory shifts and competitive pricing, its examination of internal incentives suggests an effort to balance cost containment with growing scrutiny of passenger-facing policies. Whether that balance satisfies both customers and regulators remains to be seen.