From November, employees will receive €2.50 for each non-compliant item, with the airline also scrapping the monthly earnings cap, according to The Guardian.

The scheme currently pays €1.50 per bag, limited to €80 a month. Chief executive Michael O’Leary said the move was aimed at keeping passengers within the rules. “I make no apology for it,” he told reporters. “We should encourage our staff to catch people trying to scam the system.”

Under Ryanair’s policy, every passenger may bring one small bag free of charge, fitting under the seat at a maximum of 40x30x20cm. A larger cabin case — up to 55x40x20cm — can only be brought on board if passengers pay for the privilege. Bags that breach the rules are sent to the hold, with charges at the gate reaching as high as £75.

The practice has long drawn criticism, with travellers arguing the charges are excessive and the enforcement heavy-handed. Outrage has grown since it emerged that staff are financially rewarded for flagging non-compliant luggage. But O’Leary, unrepentant as ever, dismissed such concerns. “This myth that someone is fined because a zip sticks out is nonsense,” he said. “If it fits, it goes on. If it doesn’t, you pay. And yes — we will notice your rucksack.”

The Ryanair boss insisted that only a small fraction of passengers are affected. Less than 0.1% — around 200,000 travellers a year — end up paying the fee. “Most people comply,” he said. “The few who don’t get far more attention than they deserve. We’re not catching people out — the numbers paying are falling.”

Other airlines also operate incentive schemes. Earlier this year, it was reported that Swissport staff working for easyJet earned £1.20 per oversized bag spotted at the gate. For carriers, the aim is to enforce consistency and speed up boarding.

For Ryanair, however, O’Leary framed the move as essential to its low-cost model. “We are Europe’s most efficient, affordable airline. We won’t let anyone disrupt that. Follow the rules and you’ll never pay a cent more,” he said.