Ryanair Tightens Its Bag Checks Again
Ryanair is preparing to tighten checks on oversized cabin bags, with chief executive Michael O’Leary saying staff bonuses for spotting bags that do not fit the sizer could rise. Gate staff currently receive €2.50 for identifying non-compliant bags, and that could increase to about €3.50 as the airline pushes passengers to follow its luggage rules more closely.
O’Leary said the number of oversized bags being stopped has fallen since the staff incentive became public. He argued that passengers should not arrive at the gate with bags that fail the sizer test, because they will be charged. Passengers caught with oversized luggage at the gate may have to place it in the hold and pay an extra fee.
“I am still mystified by the number of people with rucksacks who still think they’re going to get through the gate and we won’t notice the rucksack."
Ryanair Bag Rules
Ryanair’s current allowance includes:
- All fares: one small personal bag, 40 x 30 x 20 cm, under the seat;
- Priority & 2 Cabin Bags: one small personal bag plus one 10kg cabin bag, 55 x 40 x 20 cm, for the overhead locker;
- Oversized bags: extra gate charges may apply.
The change matters most for people using Ryanair for short city breaks, low-cost beach trips or weekend visits with only cabin luggage. Passengers heading to popular budget routes across Europe may need to measure soft backpacks, packed tote bags and small wheeled cases before leaving home. A bag that looks "close enough" at home may still fail at the airport.
The practical lesson is not glamorous, but it can save money. Ryanair’s model leaves little room for guesswork at the gate, and staff have a clear reason to check. Anyone flying with the airline should check the fare type, measure the bag when packed, and pay for extra luggage in advance if needed, rather than gambling on the sizer.