Overview

• Chief executive Michael O’Leary said gate staff will receive €2.50 per intercepted oversized carry‑on, up from €1.50, with the change expected to start with the winter schedule in November.
• The current €80 monthly limit on these payments will be removed to encourage more consistent enforcement at boarding gates.
• Passengers who exceed the free under‑seat allowance of 40×30×20cm risk a gate charge that can reach up to about £75, with non‑compliant bags placed in the hold.
• O’Leary defended the tougher approach, saying 99.9% of customers comply, about 200,000 passengers a year pay gate bag fees, and faster boarding helps maintain low fares.
• The announcement follows scrutiny of baggage enforcement incentives at airports, including reports of contractor bonuses on other airlines.