EasyJet Staff Incentivised With Cash Bonuses For Spotting Oversized Passenger Bags At UK Airports

Ground handling staff at major UK airports are receiving financial incentives for identifying passengers with oversized bags on easyJet flights, according to internal communications revealed today. Swissport employees at seven airports across the UK and Channel Islands are being offered £1.20 per bag identified, ultimately receiving £1 after tax deductions.

The incentive programme, outlined in a leaked email from November 2023, encompasses airports including Birmingham, Glasgow, Jersey and Newcastle. The scheme aims to “reward agents doing the right thing” whilst maintaining operational standards. Staff performance tracking has been implemented, though management assures this will not be used punitively.

DHL Supply Chain, operating at Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester airports, has implemented a similar scheme, offering ground handlers what they term “a nominal amount” for each non-compliant bag identified. This development comes amidst growing scrutiny of airline baggage policies and their enforcement.

The current easyJet policy permits passengers to carry one small bag that fits under the seat without charge. Additional overhead locker space can be purchased starting from £5.99, while passengers found with oversized bags at the gate face a substantial £48 fee for hold storage.

The revelation arrives as European legislators consider new regulations that could mandate airlines to provide free hand luggage allowances. A recent European Parliament transport committee vote supported giving passengers the right to carry an additional piece of hand luggage up to 7kg at no extra cost.

Industry experts suggest these incentive schemes might face resistance from both passengers and consumer rights advocates, particularly as Swissport ground handlers, earning approximately £12 per hour, are placed in potentially confrontational situations with travellers. The practice raises questions about the balance between revenue generation and customer satisfaction in the aviation sector.