Ryanair is back in the headlines this week, and not because of bargain flights or Michael O’Leary’s latest quip about standing-only seats. This time it is all about bags. Those overstuffed, “sure it will fit” bags that travellers have been trying to sneak past the boarding gate for years.
From November, Ryanair will increase the bonus paid to staff for catching oversized cabin bags from €1.50 to €2.50. The monthly cap of €80 is also being removed, which means that gate agents who are quick to spot a bag that does not fit could end up with a tidy extra income.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s outspoken CEO, has already made it clear that there will be “absolutely no apology” to passengers who try to “scam the system”. His view is simple: strict rules mean cheaper tickets and faster boarding for everyone else.
How many passengers are caught out?
New rules mean there is a new incentive to find people who broke the rules.
Only a small percentage of travellers are actually affected by this. Ryanair’s figures suggest around 0.1 per cent of passengers, which works out at 200,000 people out of the airline’s 200 million annual customers. So while most of us have no issue, there are still plenty who are caught red-handed at the gate.
It is also worth noting that Ryanair recently improved the free allowance. Back in July, the personal bag limit was increased from 20 litres to 24 litres, with the maximum size now set at 40 x 30 x 20 cm. For light packers, this is manageable. For weekend travellers who prefer to bring half their wardrobe, it is still a squeeze.
Why this matters for travellers
Ryanair is unavoidable for many people. It is affordable, it covers a vast part of Europe, and it often flies into airports that other airlines overlook. But the low fares come with an understanding: you have to play by the rules.
This new bonus structure means that staff now have more incentive to check bags properly. What was once a quick glance could now become a detailed inspection. It is not hard to imagine more passengers being stopped at the gate, and more being asked to pay for oversized luggage.
For anyone who likes to push the limits when packing, this is a change worth paying attention to. That one extra jumper or pair of shoes could be the difference between a smooth boarding or an expensive surprise.
The bigger picture
Ryanair has built its reputation on two pillars: low fares and strict rules. Extra charges for luggage, seat selection and other add-ons make up a large share of the company’s revenue. The airline has never hidden this fact, and O’Leary is famous for being blunt about how it works.
There is also a practical side. Boarding is one of the most frustrating parts of flying, especially when passengers are fighting to jam oversized bags into already packed overhead bins. By enforcing the rules, Ryanair keeps the boarding process moving and argues that this helps keep fares low for the majority who do follow the rules.
What this means for you
If you are flying Ryanair this winter, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Measure your bag carefully. The free limit is 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
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Do not take chances. Hoping it “looks small enough” is a risky approach.
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Expect stricter checks. Staff are now rewarded for spotting mistakes.
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Book ahead if you need more space. Adding a larger bag online is cheaper than paying at the gate.
Final thoughts
This latest move from Ryanair is not surprising. The airline has always pushed a no-nonsense business model, and Michael O’Leary is famous for saying what others avoid. For most travellers, nothing will change. But for the small number who like to chance it at the gate, the odds just shifted against them.
Is it fair? Some passengers will say no, that it is just another way for Ryanair to squeeze money out of people. Others will argue that rules are rules, and if one person bends them, everyone else ends up paying with higher fares and longer delays.
Whatever side you are on, the lesson is clear. Next time you are packing for a Ryanair flight, take the bag rules seriously. The difference between fitting and not fitting is no longer just about convenience; it could cost you money.
👉 What do you think? Is Ryanair right to get tougher on oversized bags, or are they pushing it too far?