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Airport Staff Incentivized to Charge Passengers for Oversized Bags
Airport staff at several UK airports are reportedly receiving financial incentives for enforcing strict baggage policies, according to a leaked email. The internal message, shared with the Sunday Times, revealed that employees of Swissport, a company managing passenger gates in various British airports, are being paid £1.20 (after tax) for each oversized bag detected at the gate.
This so-called “easyJet gate bag revenue incentive” is still active and applies to airports such as Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Jersey, Liverpool, and Newcastle. The scheme, described as a way to “reward agents doing the right thing,” was outlined in an internal message signed by Dean Martin, a Swissport station manager at Glasgow Airport.
Similar bonus arrangements also exist elsewhere. For instance, DHL Supply Chain staff at Gatwick, Bristol, and Manchester airports receive a nominal payment per oversized bag they identify. These practices have sparked controversy among passengers who claim they face inconsistent enforcement and aggressive tactics when attempting to board with their luggage.
Under easyJet’s current policy, passengers are allowed one small bag free of charge, while larger bags require additional fees starting at £5.99 and reaching up to nearly £33 on certain routes. If a passenger is caught at the gate with an unpaid oversized bag, they are charged £48, of which £1.20 goes directly to the airport staff.
Many travelers have reported being forced to pay despite their bags fitting within the official size frames. Ground staff are employed by third-party handling companies, which manage their pay and incentive schemes independently. easyJet itself is not involved in or responsible for how these bonuses are issued.
Swissport has stated that it adheres to airline policies under agreed terms, emphasizing professionalism and safe, efficient operations across millions of flights annually. An easyJet spokesperson added that the airline focuses on ensuring its ground handling partners apply policies correctly and consistently, reminding customers of the rules during booking, before travel, and on boarding passes.
Despite these assurances, incidents like the one involving Jake Hughes continue to raise concerns. Hughes was fined £48 for an oversized bag at Manchester Airport, even though he demonstrated that his small grey holdall fit perfectly into the airline’s size checker. The incident escalated when staff allegedly threatened to terminate his boarding pass if he did not pay and asked him to delete any footage he had taken.
The situation highlights ongoing issues with the enforcement of baggage policies, particularly when staff from external handling companies are involved. While some airlines are making changes to improve passenger experience, others remain under scrutiny for their approach to baggage rules.
Ryanair Expands Free Baggage Allowance
In contrast, Ryanair has announced plans to increase the size of its free “personal bag” allowance. Currently, passengers can bring a small bag measuring 40x20x25cm for free. However, this will soon change as the budget airline prepares to allow bags up to 40x30x20cm, a 20% increase. This adjustment follows new EU rules that set a minimum free baggage size of 40x30x15cm.
The updated allowance will take effect once Ryanair updates its bag sizers, giving travelers more space for their essentials. Despite this change, Ryanair’s free bag remains smaller than easyJet’s current generous allowance of 45x36x20cm.
Tips for Maximizing Suitcase Space
Packing efficiently can help travelers save space and stay organized. Chantel Ibbotson, a popular TikToker, shared ten clever suitcase hacks:
- Fold clothes and scarves vertically to maximize space.
- Add essential oil to cotton balls in a bag to keep clothes smelling fresh.
- Wrap belts around the suitcase edge to save room.
- Use the lining to separate slippers and sliders.
- Squeeze air out of toiletries to prevent leaks.
- Cover toiletry lids with silicone pads to stop spills.
- Thread necklaces through straws to avoid tangling.
- Attach earrings to buttons to keep them together.
- Stuff socks and chargers inside shoes to use up space.
- Place an AirTag in your suitcase in case it goes missing.
Bags must still weigh under 10kg and fit under the seat. While these tips can be helpful, they do not eliminate the need for clear communication from airlines about their policies.
EU Rules Aim to Simplify Luggage Policies
The EU is working to simplify luggage rules for passengers across all airlines. This initiative aims to create a more consistent and fair experience for travelers, reducing confusion and frustration at airport gates.
As airlines adjust their policies, passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules before traveling. With increasing scrutiny on baggage enforcement, the focus remains on transparency, fairness, and improving the overall travel experience.
