Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has hit back at ‘unimplementable’ proposals that could allow each plane passenger to bring on board two free cabin bags.
In June, the European Parliament’s transport and tourism committee backed a motion that would prohibit airlines from charging passengers for a second item of cabin luggage.
This would mean passengers – including those flying with low-budget carriers – could bring on board an under-seat bag and a small 7kg cabin bag without extra fees.
During Ryanair’s earnings call for the first quarter of 2026, its chief executive strongly criticised the ‘impractical’ move, stating that the airline’s fleet cannot physically accommodate two bags per passenger, especially on fully booked flights.
According to Travel Weekly, he said: ‘The idea that everyone is entitled to two free bags on board is unimplementable – they don’t fit in the aircraft.
‘There’s not room on largely full aircraft for one small carry-on bag and one large trolley bag. About 50 per cent of the passengers can bring a trolley bag and we do that using the priority boarding service.’
Mr O’Leary not only believes that the proposed change would lead to overcrowding and delays, he suggested this would also undermine the airline’s operational efficiency and low-cost model.
He added: ‘Any rules that would alter that would be infringing EU rules guaranteeing the freedom of airlines to set pricing and policies, and we don’t believe that will happen.’
In June, Members of the European Parliament’s transport and tourism committee backed a motion that would prohibit airlines from charging passengers for a second item of cabin luggage.
Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary, strongly criticised the ‘impractical’ move, stating that the airline’s fleet cannot physically accommodate two bags per passenger, especially on fully booked flights
In addition, the CEO claimed Ryanair is already struggling with the amount of luggage currently allowed and is actively trying to reduce excess baggage.
The Irish budget carrier currently pays gate staff around €1.50 (£1.30) to intercept passengers who attempt to bring on board carry-on luggage that does not meet their famously tight size requirements of 40x20x25cm.
A former employee claimed they pocketed the sum for every oversized bag they reported, according to the Sunday Times, although they said the monthly bonus was capped at €80 (£70).
Since then, Mr O’Leary announced he is considering increasing the incentive to ‘eliminate the scourge of passengers with excess baggage.’
Despite the recent push from MEP’s transport and tourism committee for the new two-bag-per-passenger rule, Mr O’Leary believes it won’t come into effect due to the practical difficulties.
However, he added: ‘I think it’s unlikely to play out but there’s clearly going to be some kind of negotiation between the parliament and the commission on passenger rights.’
It comes after furious social media users slammed the Ryanair boss after learning the airline pays staff bonuses to catch out passengers with oversized bags.
Hundreds of Ryanair passengers have been left seething at the news, with many taking to Instagram and X to vent their frustration.
Mr O’Leary not only believes that the proposed change would lead to overcrowding and delays, he suggested this would also undermine the airline’s operational efficiency and low-cost model
One person wrote: ‘O’Leary’s latest idea: turn cabin crew into bag police for a €1.50 bounty.
‘Ryanair profits soar, but instead of easing baggage rules, they double down on penalties. At what point does enforcement cross into petty revenue hunting?’
Another fumed: ‘Considering the profit Ryanair and Michael O Leary makes €1.50 to an employee for finding an oversized is pathetic. Why would an employee draw hassle upon him or her self for €1.50 per bag.’
A third customer said: ‘That – kind of – explains the behaviour of some of Ryanair’s ground staff… especially at Edinburgh Airport.’
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