Ryanair will strengthen control over handbag transport from November. The measure is increasing the paid reward to employees that detect luggage outside the permitted dimensions and eliminate the monthly limit so far existing for this type of bonuses.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Confidential, the amount paid for each detection of excess dimensions in the luggage will go from 1.5 to 2.5 euros, ceasing to exist the ceiling of 80 euros monthly that limited the award to each employee. The goal is to ensure tighter surveillance at boarding doors and reduce delays associated with too large bags.
Current rules and additional costs
The airline’s luggage policy already states that only a small volume, with maximum dimensions of 40x30x20 centimeters, can be transported free on board as long as it fell under the front seat.
According to the same source, any suitcase that exceeds these measures is subject to a charge that can rise to 75 euros on boarding. Even the traditional 55x40x20 centimeter cabin bag can only travel upon payment of a supplementary fee.
Administration arguments
Ryanair’s executive president Michael O’leary explained in an interview with an Irish television channel that the decision aims to accelerate the boarding process and ensure equitable treatment for passengers who respect regulation.
Adds the publication that, to O’Leary, one of the main causes of delay is the need to transfer to the basement of hand luggage that exceed the measurements. With the change, control is expected to become stricter and more effective.
Open European debate
The discussion around hand luggage rules is not limited to Ryanair. In the European Union, airlines can freely define dimensions and fees, as long as they communicate before the ticket purchase.
The newspaper states that this freedom has generated intense debates and criticism of practices considered too restrictive. For David Janoszka, a lawyer and expert on aircashback passenger rights, despite the legality of current rules, their massive application justifies a faster advancement of community regulation.
Proposal in Brussels
Explains what, in June, European transport ministers supported a proposal that aims to standardize the minimum rights of passengers regarding hand luggage. The plan provides that each traveler is entitled to transport a volume with measurements of 40x30x15 centimeters. According to the same source, the absence of a common norm has allowed significant discrepancies between airlines, which feeds complaints and pressure on the European legislator.
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