Ryanair is an ultra low cost carrier, and the company’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, is unapologetic about that. Along those lines, O’Leary just gave an interesting interview about the carrier’s carry-on bag crackdown, and I can’t decide if he’s being logical, gaslighting customers, or both.
In this post:
Ryanair CEO unapologetic about punitive bag fees
Ryanair has a strict carry-on limit. Passengers on some fares are only allowed to bring a personal item, and passengers on other fares are allowed to bring a full size carry-on. But even for the full size carry-on, the airline is strict about enforcing size limits.
This is controversial at times, as the airline pays staff a commission of €1.50 for every oversized cabin bag they identify, as the airline collects up to €75 in revenue in these situations.
The way that O’Leary goes about framing the carrier’s strict policy is quite something, though. What’s the single thing about the Ryanair experience that passengers dislike the most? Well, according to O’Leary, “the thing that pisses off our passengers most is the one or two passengers who simply will not comply with our baggage rules.”
Lol, let me just repeat that. The single thing that passengers like least about flying Ryanair is the one or two passengers who don’t comply with baggage rules? Hmmm…
O’Leary claims that the airline is considering increasing the commission that employees get for identifying oversized bags, in a bid to “eliminate the scourge.” O’Leary insists that if a bag doesn’t fit in the sizer, “it’s not getting on,” and “you’re getting charged and the only way to eliminate this is to incentivise and reward my staff.”
He’s not at all embarrassed by this reality, claiming that “I will continue to incentivise and reward our staff, I make no apology for people who are breaking our baggage rules, they will continue to pay those baggage fees until they comply with our rules.”
Asked about those who are frustrated because they had no issue with a suitcase in one direction, but then have an issue on the return, O’Leary states that “I hope in future you’ll get stung on the way out and on the way back,” adding that “99.9% of our passengers don’t break the rules, they don’t get penalised.”
O’Leary insists that these fees and this strict enforcement isn’t even about generating revenue, but instead, it’s because those breaking the rules are “delaying the departure of the aircraft,” and “we’re going to eliminate them.” He finishes by saying “please fly somebody else, we don’t want your business.”
While O’Leary insists this has nothing to do with profits, it’s worth noting that in Q2 2025, the airline increased its net profit from €360 to €820 million, with ancillary revenue increasing by 7%, to almost €1.4 billion. There aren’t many airlines that saw improved performance in Q2 2025 vs. Q2 2024, so that’s quite remarkable.
Is Michael O’Leary right, or gaslighting customers?
O’Leary is unarguably the airline industry’s most controversial and blunt executive (the only competitor for that title retired in late 2023). 😉 He has been running Ryanair for decades, and there’s simply no denying that he has built an incredible business, with a model that has withstood the test of time.
Is his industry advocacy always self serving? Yes, of course. Does he take every chance he can to minimize labor costs and prevent unions from forming? Absolutely. I’m not a fan of that. But I also recognize that Ryanair has had more of an impact than any other airline in making European aviation affordable.
So, what’s my take on the comments O’Leary made? I think Ryanair is totally within its rights to have punitive policies for those who don’t follow the rules, as the carrier is transparent about how it does business. Now, once in a while we’ll see people claiming that airport employees lie about the size of bags to generate commissions, and that’s of course totally unacceptable. But as a concept, I take no issue with incentivizing airport staff to enforce the company’s policies.
That being said, while I think O’Leary’s end goal is fair, I think there’s a fair bit of gaslighting along the way. If you ask me:
- No, the single biggest pain point that Ryanair passengers have isn’t the 0.1% of passengers who aren’t following the rules, and it’s absurd to claim that; “oh, my Ryanair flight was absolutely fabulous, except for the one person who was charged extra for their bag at the gate,” said no one ever
- Let’s be honest, the actual reason for enforcement is to generate more ancillary revenue, and not to prevent delays
But these comments are ultimately on brand for Ryanair, an airline that spends most of its time on social media insulting customers and making fun of itself (rather hilariously, I might add).
Bottom line
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary claims he’s considering increasing staff commission for oversized bag fees. Currently, staff get a €1.50 bonus when they collect fees, which can be as high as €75.
What’s noteworthy here is how O’Leary claims that these fees aren’t even about generating revenue, but instead, are about ensuring flights operate on schedule. He also claims that some people trying to bring bigger bags onto Ryanair planes is the single biggest complaint that other passengers have… heh.
What do you make of the comments from Ryanair’s boss?
If you increase the comission then they will be more strict. He is looking at the bottom line rather than for the customer. People know the situation they are getting into when choosing the airline. It is possible that checking a bag could be cheaper.
I hope he stays forever and gives as many interviews as possible.
A lot of the actual or planned EU regulations are more or less a direct reaction to his obnoxious views & policies... especially when our MEP realise they scan score easy political capital with the public by taking the airlines to task and Ryanair especially.
I’ve already put Ryan Air last on my list of acceptable airlines. They tagged my suitcase on my last trip yet I saw other bags bigger than mine not being tagged. The lady said mine won’t fit in the overhead yet it did coming and has in every plane except smaller planes. I know my decision to stop using Ryan Air won’t make much of a difference but I don’t need the added stress of...
I’ve already put Ryan Air last on my list of acceptable airlines. They tagged my suitcase on my last trip yet I saw other bags bigger than mine not being tagged. The lady said mine won’t fit in the overhead yet it did coming and has in every plane except smaller planes. I know my decision to stop using Ryan Air won’t make much of a difference but I don’t need the added stress of having to pay more before boarding. As a digital nomad on the move for a year or more, I need to carry more than most.
Well at least he doesn't hate customers for no reason like Carsten. He just wants more money within their clear rules. I am pretty sure 99% of the customers actually violated the rule because there is literally no check unless the bag is a roller.
Yes, Ken, he despises customers because he's already made his fortune and reached the absolute pinnacle of corporate mediocrity. So now, having exhausted all conventional forms of executive fulfillment, his only remaining pleasure is psychologically torturing the hapless passengers who find themselves trapped - by cruel economic necessity - aboard his airborne metal coffins.
He's basically become the malevolent AI from that Harlan Ellison story, except instead of keeping humanity in eternal torment, he's...
Yes, Ken, he despises customers because he's already made his fortune and reached the absolute pinnacle of corporate mediocrity. So now, having exhausted all conventional forms of executive fulfillment, his only remaining pleasure is psychologically torturing the hapless passengers who find themselves trapped - by cruel economic necessity - aboard his airborne metal coffins.
He's basically become the malevolent AI from that Harlan Ellison story, except instead of keeping humanity in eternal torment, he's just making sure your knees touch your chin for four hours while charging you seventeen pounds for a sad little sandwich.
I know I am an odd one here, but for intra-EU short hops I will take and even prefer Ryanair over a European legacy J. What I like about them (and care the most) - is kind of their crowd, a young energetic European, as opposed to carehome environment in business class of, say, Air France.
And for me - environment, people and energy is what matters the most.
I'd sooner let myself get shot out of a massive cannon with an RAF surplus parachute on my back than fly RyanAir.
You are not the odd one out and I fully agree with you and likewise prefer Ryanair for short European flights. Ryanair happens to be a very punctual airline and I book many tickets with them usually months ahead and usually pay under £20 a ticket. I don't buy anything on board and don't pay any extras besides the odd time that I will have luggage with me. Could not be better.
I don't see anything wrong with them incentivizing employees to look out unpaid or oversized bags so long as they are equally strict about making sure employees don't charge customers who aren't violating the rules.
The way he framed it is obviously gaslighting. Had he said that passengers trying to get away without paying not only delay flights but deprive the airline of revenue that allows Ryanair to turn a profit while keeping prices...
I don't see anything wrong with them incentivizing employees to look out unpaid or oversized bags so long as they are equally strict about making sure employees don't charge customers who aren't violating the rules.
The way he framed it is obviously gaslighting. Had he said that passengers trying to get away without paying not only delay flights but deprive the airline of revenue that allows Ryanair to turn a profit while keeping prices low for those who do follow the rules that would have been credible.
But he's a billionaire, I'm not and he runs the airline so I think we call him right on the facts and wrong on the reasoning which is better than pretty much all of the airlines we have here in the US.
“please fly somebody else, we don’t want your business.”
Done, I won't fly them.
To be honest, they were already on my skip list (EasyJet is a LOT more professional, hardly any more expensive). Similarly I won't fly American ULCC like Frontier or Spirit, because who needs that mix of low-quality, infrequent travelers, and corporate abuse?
But in EU there's more choice (plus trains and ferries) so even less reason to fly the worst of the worst.
100%. EasyJet is a PJ compared to RyanAir.
ryanairs social media guy is just a prick that tries to pass off how bad they are as tho its funny.
what sort of trash tier airline purposely splits ppl up around the plane? a totally anti-consumer airline
"the actual reason for enforcement is to generate more ancillary revenue, and not to prevent delays" - That's not quite true. Ryanair is extremely focused on shortening their turnaround times - that's why they don't have seat pockets etc. And unlike most airlines, Ryanair will NOT sell more carry-ons than can fit on board. Once that number is reached, the only option they offer is a checked bag.
I fully agree with the CEO. People should stop flying Ryanair.
IMHO the proposed EU rule that would allow everyone to bring a 7kg suitcase on board can't come soon enough.
On the plane, not on board. The proposal just requires and equivalent of hand baggage allowance to be included in the fare. This may be provided either as a carry-on or as a checked bag.
The EU parlement website says on board, but that may of course change.
"Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee." https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250623IPR29105/transport-meps-seek-to-reinforce-passenger-rights
Hope Ryan Air practice what they preach. Rules are rules and they must be followed. So land your plane on time or go find another airport … they don’t want your business as other airlines land on time
People who still travel Ryanair have no self-respect.
Fully agree! And I am proud to never having flown FR - not even when it meant a 2h detour on connecting flights vs. a non-stop with FR. I really do not like companies which treat their customers like kettle and have sub-standard pay and social benefits for their staff. Yes, he has built a great business but I would be glad if would shut up.
I'm surprised gate staff at somewhere like Dublin Airport can be bothered charging people for €1.50.
The cost of living there is high, so I would assume wages are decent, and having to argue with a passenger about sizing, potentially delay the flight, and potentially be late to their lunch break, or smoke break, or to board their next flight, just to get such a measly commission doesn't seem worth it.
they charge much more. the 1.50 goes to the Ryanair staffer who tags the bag.
When you fly Ryanair this is what you get. People want Ryanair/Frontier fares with Pan Am service.
George, it's possible to deliver a no frills cheap product without showing complete and unvarnished contempt for your passengers and all government and airport authorities.
Atleast the guy is honest instead of sugar coating his words by using words like choice, etc.
He's occasionally honest, just like RyanAir! They'll lie their faces off when they want to. Even more so than most nasty little corporate overlords.
Pretty much everything in double quotes sounded like it came straight from the mouth of His Excellency AAB. Some things still haven’t changed at QR… like the refusal to fit more Qsuites.