Ryanair Raises Bonuses for Spotting Oversized Baggage
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Ryanair to Continue Strict Enforcement of Cabin Baggage Rules, Charges passengers at Gates
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Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to strictly enforcing its cabin baggage rules, stating he makes “absolutely no apology” for charging passengers who attempt to board with bags exceeding size limits. The airline aims to deter passengers from trying to circumvent the rules and avoid paying for larger bags.
Enforcement at the Gate
O’Leary emphasized the airline’s focus on catching passengers attempting to bring oversized bags through the boarding gate. “I want our ground handling people to be catching people who are scamming the system,” he said. He expressed frustration with passengers who attempt to conceal rucksacks, stating, “We will, and you will be paying for the rucksack. You’re not getting on if it doesn’t fit.”
According to O’Leary, approximately 200,000 passengers per year are charged luggage fees at the airport gate.The airline carried 200 million passengers in the year ending March 2025. This suggests that less than 0.1% of passengers are caught attempting to bypass baggage fees, but the airline believes further enforcement is necessary.
Maintaining a Low-Cost Model
O’Leary reiterated that compliance with the rules is essential for maintaining Ryanair’s low-cost structure. “We want everybody to comply with the rules. If you comply with the rules, no issues,” he stated. “we are running a very efficient, very affordable, very low-cost airline, and we’re not letting anybody get in the way.”
Incentivizing Staff
Ryanair has implemented a program to incentivize its staff to identify passengers with oversized cabin bags. RTÉ News reported in July 2025 that the airline pays staff for identifying passengers attempting to bring bags that exceed the permitted dimensions. This initiative aims to increase the rate of compliance and reduce the number of passengers attempting to avoid baggage fees.
Ryanair Cabin Baggage Rules (as of August 27, 2025)
- Passengers with a ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ ticket can bring one wheelie bag (max 10kg) and one small personal bag.
- Passengers without ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags‘ can bring one