EasyJet Staff Handed Cash Incentives to Catch Oversized Luggage

Strategic Insights -

Staff at Swissport, an aviation company that provides services at 296 airports, including passenger gates, are being offered a cash incentive to confiscate oversized luggage from easyJet passengers. The "easyJet gate bag revenue incentive" scheme rewards staff with £1.20 per gate bag taken, with the policy still in force since November 2023. This has led to concerns among staff that the policy may put them in danger, as passengers become aggressive when they are charged for excess luggage.

Key Takeaways:

  • EasyJet passengers can take a small under-seat cabin bag for free, but larger luggage requires the use of overhead lockers, with charges ranging from £5.99 to £32.99.
  • Staff at Swissport are eligible to receive £1.20 per gate bag taken, with the policy in place since November 2023.
  • A source told the Jersey Evening Post that the policy had been unpopular with Swissport staff, who risk abuse or worse when confronting passengers with excess baggage.
  • Confronting passengers with excess baggage is seen as comparable to tackling fare dodgers.
  • EasyJet has an annual revenue of over £9 billion and has oversight of incentives available to employees at third-party companies.
  • The airline has stated that its bag policies are well understood and that customers are reminded of them when booking, before traveling, and on their boarding pass.
  • The EU has proposed standardised rules allowing passengers to bring one personal item and one item of cabin baggage weighing less than 7kg on board for free.

Statistics:

  • EasyJet has an annual revenue of over £9 billion.
  • The airline operates over 4 million flights per year.
  • Swissport provides passenger services at 17 airports in the UK.
  • The "easyJet gate bag revenue incentive" scheme rewards staff with £1.20 per gate bag taken.

Sources:

  • A leaked Swissport company email detailing the "easyJet gate bag revenue incentive" scheme.
  • A statement from EasyJet's spokesperson, saying the airline is focused on ensuring ground handling partners apply policies correctly and consistently.
  • A quote from a Swissport passenger service manager, speaking on condition of anonymity.
  • A statement from Swissport, saying the company serves airline customers and applies their policies under terms and conditions.
  • The Jersey Evening Post, which previously reported on the unpopularity of the policy among Swissport staff.
  • The Sunday Times, which quoted the Swissport passenger service manager.