The Hidden Costs of Airline Luggage Regulations
When we approach the shipping doors, it is quite common that part of the airline team is responsible for scrutinizing passengers to ensure compliance with luggage regulations . Not only is it part of their job, but Ryanair employees also have another motivation behind this vigilance: collecting additional fees .
The airline pays its employees €1.50 for each suitcase they identify that does not meet the regulations. This practice has been defended by the company’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, who even considers expanding it further.
Why This Happens?
The Irish airline has confirmed that this economic incentive rewards its staff for identifying passengers carrying luggage that exceeds the allowed dimensions. Those caught face a penalty of up to €75 for having to check their oversized luggage in the hold. O’Leary justifies this policy as a way to “eliminate the scourge of passengers with excessive luggage.”
The Numbers Behind the Policy
Each employee can earn approximately €80 per month from this practice. While it should be noted that more than 99.9% of travelers comply with luggage standards, the disparity between what Ryanair pays for detecting oversized bags and the penalty charged to passengers significantly contributes to the airline’s profitability.
Recently, Ryanair doubled its net profits, reaching €820 million in the last quarter. Their shares surged 4.7% in the stock market following this announcement. Notably, revenue from auxiliary services—including these luggage penalties—saw a growth of 7% , alongside a 21% rise in average ticket prices, now at €51.
Ryanair Is Not Alone
This practice is not exclusive to Ryanair; other airlines, like EasyJet, have implemented similar incentives through subcontracted companies such as Swissport, which pays £1.20 for each oversized suitcase detected. Employees, typically earning around £12 per hour , often face tense interactions with passengers, who are unhappy about having to pay additional fees just as they’re about to board their flight.
The Current State of the Airline Industry
Ryanair is thriving, especially as it becomes the leading airline in Spain by passenger numbers, with a growth rate of 20.6% in the last quarter. Spain is their second most significant market after Italy, contributing €772 million to their income.
The European Parliament is urging airlines to allow luggage in the cabin free of charge. However, O’Leary predicts that this proposal “will not succeed due to the lack of space in airplanes.” According to their latest financial report, the airline operates at 94% capacity , where about half of passengers can carry two bags, while the other half is allowed just one.
What Lies Ahead?
Ryanair may not rule out increasing the incentives paid to its employees for detecting oversized luggage. O’Leary anticipates that detections will decrease in the coming years as passengers become more accustomed to the regulations. Meanwhile, the airline is benefiting from a constrained European market expected to remain limited until 2030 . “We will have at least five years, until 2030, with capacity constraints,” states Neil Sorahan, the airline’s financial director. This situation allows them to maintain high ticket prices and strictly enforce luggage regulations. For travelers, this means a need for vigilance regarding the dimensions and weight of their luggage to avoid unpleasant surprises at the boarding gate.
Cover image | Niels Baars and Anastasiia Nelen
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