by admin | Sep 13, 2025 | air travel, airline industry, aviation, business, flying
Ryanair intends to boost incentives for workers who identify travelers carrying large suitcases.
It follows that it was
Staff at the low-cost carrier have been found to earn as much as €80 (£68.98) per month solely through implementing the stringent regulations.
Currently, this limit is scheduled to be removed, with additional modifications underway.
The Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, stated that he has “no apologies” for identifying individuals who are “cheating the system.”
He declared during a news briefing in the center
London
that he intends to increase rewards for airport personnel who stop travelers from carrying large bags aboard.
Bonuses are expected to rise from €1.50 (£1.29) to €2.50 (£2.16) per bag starting in November.
Travelers flying with Ryanair must adhere to stringent baggage policies, resulting in charges as high as £75 when an extra-large suitcase is taken to the check-in counter.
Just a single tiny bag that fits beneath the forward-facing seat is part of the cheapest ticket options.
Mr. O’Leary stated, “I have absolutely no regrets about it at all.”
I desire for our ground operations staff to identify individuals exploiting the system.
He said: “I’m still puzzled by how many people carrying backpacks believe they can pass through the gate without us noticing their bags.”
We will, and you’ll have to pay for the backpack. You won’t be coming along unless it fits.
The head of Ryanair stated that approximately 200,000 travelers annually face baggage charges when they reach the airport terminals.
He stated, “We still have much work ahead to eliminate them.”
The low-cost carrier transported 200 million travelers during the fiscal period ending in March.
Mr. O’Leary added, “We expect everyone to follow the guidelines. If you adhere to the regulations, there will be no problems.”
We operate a highly effective, budget-friendly, and cost-efficient airline, and we aren’t allowing anyone to interfere.
It followed an income statement that was disclosed early this year, showing how a previous worker received a “bag fee reward” for pointing out luggage that exceeded the airline’s well-known strict dimensions.
A former employee stated that they kept approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for each large bag they documented, as reported by the Sunday Times, though they mentioned the monthly incentive had a limit.
Ryanair, which generated an impressive €13 billion in sales during the previous year, has stated that employees receive financial incentives for identifying luggage that violates regulations — resulting in travelers being billed as much as €75 per large bag discovered at the boarding area.
At that moment, a Ryanair representative stated: “We provide commissions to our agents who detect and bill for large luggage items, however, these charges apply to fewer than 0.1 percent of travelers who fail to follow our established baggage regulations.”
Our communication to the 0.1 percent of travelers is straightforward: kindly follow our flexible baggage policies, or face fees when checking in or at the boarding area.
For the 99.9% of our travelers who follow our regulations, we express gratitude and encourage them to continue flying without concern.
Ryanair has recently stated that it will expand the dimensions of complimentary cabin baggage to 40 x 30 x 20cm – aligning with new European Union regulations that prohibit carriers from imposing fees on compact personal items.
Read more
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Which led to strong responses when Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary increased rewards for employees who identify large luggage items?
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Is Ryanair’s rigid luggage policy causing travelers to incur excessive charges for small objects?
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Is Ryanair considering expanding free luggage allowances, or is the present strict policy on large items merely an aggressive strategy to boost income?
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Is Ryanair offering incentives for employees to catch passengers bringing large luggage onto planes?
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Ryanair’s new baggage policy: What effect will the 20% larger free suitcase have on passengers who feel singled out and upset about unexpected charges?
by admin | Sep 9, 2025 | air travel, airline industry, flights, flying, southwest airlines
Southwest Airlines is set to introduce a policy where passengers unable to fit between the armrests of their assigned seat must purchase an additional one ahead of time, as part of several new adjustments the airline has implemented recently.
The updated regulation will take place on January 27, the very day Southwest begins allocating seats — marking a major change from its former approach where travelers could choose their own seating upon boarding.
At present, customers who are larger-sized may choose to purchase an additional seat ahead of time, with the possibility of receiving a reimbursement afterward, or they might ask for a complimentary second seat upon arrival at the airport. With the airline’s updated regulation, refunds remain feasible but are not assured anymore.
On Monday, Southwest issued a statement indicating that it is revising certain policies ahead of implementing assigned seating in the coming year.
“To save space, we are informing [customers] who have previously utilized the additional seat policy that they need to buy it when making their reservation,” the statement mentioned.
Southwest moves away from its previous image
Southwest distances itself from its former persona
Southwest departs from its traditional brand
Southwest changes course from its past image
Southwest alters its long-standing reputation
Southwest steps back from its original character
Southwest diverges from its historical identity
Southwest transitions from its established self-image
It signifies the most recent shift at Southwest, which was previously recognized for allowing travelers to choose their own seating once they boarded the aircraft, as well as offering complimentary baggage allowance, a practice that concluded in May. These benefits played a crucial role in setting it apart.
budget carrier
from its rivals.
Southwest states that it will continue to issue a refund for a second ticket under its updated policy regarding additional seat selection, provided the flight has not reached full capacity when departing, and both of the traveler’s tickets were bought within the same fare category. The passenger must also make the request.
refund
no later than 90 days after the flight.
Under the updated regulation, travelers requiring an additional seat must acquire one prior to their journey; otherwise, they’ll have to obtain it upon arrival at the airport. Should the aircraft be fully booked, such passengers will be transferred to another available flight.
Budget airlines facing challenges in Europe
Southwest’s decision follows a trend where low-cost carriers around the globe are reconsidering—or in certain instances, compelled to reassess—their business strategies.
In Europe, authorities have focused on clarity and
passenger rights
In June, the European Union approved a
proposal
this would allow travelers to carry both a handbag and a small suitcase weighing no more than seven kilograms at no additional cost.
Matteo Ricci, who serves as vice-chair of the EU Committee for Transport and Tourism and is the main supporter of the legislation, described the amendment as a move toward a “more equitable and effective system.”
This regulation is an element of a larger initiative by Brussels aimed at reducing confusion associated with air travel, including mandating airlines to display the full price of a trip sooner during the reservation procedure and enhancing guidelines for passenger compensation.
However, experts have warned that these updated safeguards might prompt airlines to increase ticket prices through alternative methods as businesses seek out new income streams.
Economy class seating, concealed charges, and benefits for families
This tension has already inspired several innovative trials and approaches.
Even though their upcoming release was denied, early versions of what were called upright seating options became popular on social media this year, causing negative reactions online.
Hidden fees
still remains a major issue for travelers, as expenses add up for things like credit card transactions and reservations made in groups.
According to a study from Tradingpedia released this year, although budget airlines promote attractive pricing, the actual cost can be significantly more complex. Charges related to choosing seats, luggage, and modifying names on reservations are revealed incrementally throughout the reservation process instead of being included in the initial advertised price.
Not every change harms travelers, however.
The UK-based airline Jet2 has recently stated that infants below the age of two can travel at no cost, regardless of whether they’re part of a holiday package or have purchased just a flight ticket. Additionally, the carrier eliminated extra charges for strollers, child safety seats, and other baby essentials when they are checked into the aircraft’s cargo area.
Travelers express worries regarding convenience and expenses
With airlines updating their rules, travelers are also expressing their thoughts on how these modifications affect them.
comfort
and fairness.
Jason Vaughn, a travel agent based in Orlando, shares theme park evaluations and traveling advice tailored for larger individuals through social media platforms and his site, Fat Travel Tested, mentioned that Southwest’s new policy is expected to affect travelers across various body types.
He stated that Southwest’s present policy has contributed to a more pleasant travel experience for larger travelers, while also guaranteeing every passenger sufficient seating area.
“I believe this new regulation will negatively impact the overall flying experience,” he stated.
Vaughn referred to the shift as yet another disappointment for long-time Southwest customers such as himself, comparing it to the recent emblem update at U.S. eatery Cracker Barrel, which has upset certain patrons of the establishment.
They no longer know who their customers are,” he remarked about the airline. “They’ve lost all sense of identity.
The carrier has faced difficulties lately and is experiencing pressure from active shareholders to increase…
profits
revenue. It also mentioned that last year it planned to impose additional fees on passengers seeking more legroom and provide overnight flights.
by admin | Sep 1, 2025 | air travel, airline industry, aviation, flying, Travel
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Alpine Elements travel specialists highlighted a problem that frustrates flight attendants greatly
An aviation specialist has disclosed a typical action taken by passengers inside aircraft restrooms that leads to extra hassle for other travelers and flight attendants.
As reported by seasoned cabin crew members, who requested confidentiality, travelers often neglect to secure the restroom door—either when they’re inside or following their use of it.
“A senior flight attendant mentioned that passengers often fail to recognize the effect of their behavior in such an enclosed area,” said the.
Mirror
.
One habit we frequently encounter — which really annoys us — is keeping the bathroom door open while using it.
Even though the matter might appear trivial, it can lead to ongoing issues aboard, like travelers knocking without reason or trying to enter believing the restroom is available.
If the door is not securely closed during usage, it may lead to uncomfortable and humiliating situations.
Another frequent source of irritation for cabin crew and travelers is the incorrect use of the “occupied” indicator.
Should the lock not be completely activated, the signal might remain unchanged, causing uncertainty regarding the availability of the restroom.
Besides issues related to privacy, crew members mentioned that staying alert about restroom usage is important for safety and cleanliness purposes.
If a door remains unsecured or not properly closed, it might be difficult to determine if the area has been sanitized or is ready for occupancy.
Additionally, during emergencies, flight attendants should be aware of available resources.
A team member stated, “It’s humiliating for all concerned and leads to unnecessary delays, particularly when there’s a line during peak hours.”
Travel experts at
Alpine Elements
also emphasized additional behaviors that may annoy flight attendants and interfere with onboard services.
First, overuse of water is an issue since the plane has a restricted water reserve, making it unsuitable to let faucets remain open for extended periods.
One alternative is disposing of objects that may block airplane lavatory systems, like paper towels, moist wipes, and feminine hygiene products, which ought to go into the waste container.
A third concern involves prolonged time spent in the restroom, particularly for unnecessary reasons, which may result in lines and discomfort when traffic is high.
Travelers are encouraged to observe fundamental manners, including making sure the door is securely closed to indicate presence, refraining from using the restroom during busy hours, keeping water use brief, and disposing of trash in the designated bin rather than the toilet.
Meanwhile, a
A flight attendant has revealed the lesser-known spot where aircrew rest during extended flights
– and social media users have been deeply amazed.
Charlie Silver, employed as flight attendants with TUI, offered audiences an inside view of the comfortable sleeping areas through a recent TikTok post on her profile, @silvercharlie.
In the video titled “Sleeping at 40,000ft in the sky,” a flight attendant based in the UK shared details about how cabin staff can rest in specially designed sleeping pods situated above the main passenger area.
Read more
by admin | Sep 1, 2025 | air travel, airline industry, aviation, international travel, world
Istanbul, Turkey, has been named the top preferred international airport globally for this year, surpassing Singapore Changi, according to 657,000 votes from readers of the U.S.-based publication Travel+Leisure.
Istanbul Airport achieved a rating of 98.57 out of 100 in this year’s World’s Best Awards poll, which evaluated airports according to factors including accessibility, check-in and security procedures, dining options, retail spaces, and architectural style.
A passenger praised the airport’s “bright and open layout. Clear directions.”
One individual stated, “It represents a client-focused, dependable, and thriving air travel facility. I would describe it as the top airport globally.”
A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found at Istanbul Airport, serving dishes from both Turkish and international cuisines.
Bakery shops, pastry stores, cafes, well-known coffee outlets, quick-service eateries, and self-serve dining areas offer a variety of flavors for travelers.
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport ranked third, with Zayed International Airport and Dubai International Airport from the United Arab Emirates coming next.
The remaining entries in the top 10 included Hong Kong International Airport (China), Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (Finland), Haneda Tokyo Airport (Japan), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (India), and Incheon International Airport located in South Korea.
In the previous year, visitors to the American publication Condé Nast Traveler also selected Istanbul Airport as the top airport globally during the yearly Readers’ Choice Awards, outperforming Changi.
by admin | Aug 19, 2025 | airline industry, aviation, business, civil aviation, economics
The aviation industry was assessed at N258.9 billion in the newly published rebased GDP figures, indicating a sector facing poor performance and difficulties staying viable, according to Daily Trust.
The total represents the value of the sector included under Air Transportation in the GDP figures for 2024.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) published the updated GDP report, showing that the economy expanded by 3.13% during the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2.27% in the corresponding period of 2024.
The nominal GDP at market prices, after being recalculated, was N205.09 trillion in 2019, increased to N213.64 trillion in 2020, reached N243.30 trillion in 2021, rose to N274.23 trillion in 2022, amounted to N314.02 trillion in 2023, and totaled N372.82 trillion in 2024.
Where air transport stands
The air transport sector operates completely within a dollar-based system. The purchase of airplanes, refueling, aircraft servicing, and almost every activity within the industry are measured in U.S. dollars.
Nevertheless, based on NBS statistics, air transport was worth N258.9 billion in 2024, which equals approximately $169.3 million.
The industry was worth N215.6 billion in 2023; N178.4 billion in 2022; 145.5 billion in 2021, and N101.1 billion in 2020—the pandemic year—while reaching N222.4 billion in 2019.
According to Daily Trust, based on the exchange rate in 2019, approximately N306 per dollar, aviation expenses amounted to roughly $725.4 million.
The aviation industry faced restrictions throughout 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, significantly impacting air travel.
As per experts, the resurgence of air travel following the coronavirus outbreak was slowed down due to the depreciation of the naira and increasing price hikes, leading to fewer individuals traveling by plane.
A sector in recession?
As per an assessment conducted by the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), three industries performed below expectations in the updated GDP figures.
Analysts noted that three industries—air transportation, textiles, and coal extraction—are currently experiencing a downturn.
The CPPE stated, “High-achieving industries were financial services [15.3%], oil refinement [11.51%], transport [14.08], ICT [7.4%], and metallic minerals [25%].”
The subsequent industries experienced declines: Livestock (-16.7%), Fishing (-0.21%), Textiles (-1.63), Coal Mining (-22.3%), Quarries and Minerals (-21.55%), Plastics and Rubber (-3.2%), Iron and Steel (-0.35%), Air Transportation (-0.81%).
Recession-affected sectors consist of aviation, textile production, and coal extraction. This comes after they have experienced steady decline during recent periods.
As ticket costs rise, the number of travelers has decreased considerably, as reported by airline companies.
The Acting Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, has recently expressed worry about declining passenger numbers, stating that this issue is a significant source of anxiety.
The head of Ibom Air stated that air travel demand has been decreasing since 2022, noting that the problem is worsening and steps need to be taken to draw more travelers into flying.
Decreasing passenger numbers – Service Providers
“We’ve dropped by 27% compared to 2024. We’re facing difficulties; we must figure out how to encourage more travel,” he stated.
An airline representative stated that airports need to collaborate with airlines to remain viable, noting, “Within the aviation system, the airline serves as the key force. No one would make even a small amount of currency if airlines stop operating. Everyone discusses finances since it is the airlines that keep operations running.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, told our reporter during an interview, “Passenger travel numbers have been decreasing in Nigeria. This decrease has continued, and we understand why it’s happening. I’ve discussed this in multiple interviews before. Several elements contribute to the drop in passenger volume. The flow of travelers indicates the level of economic activity within a nation. When the economy slows down, so does the movement of people.”
‘Activities picking up’
Sanusi, nevertheless, thinks the economy is showing signs of improvement slowly and mentioned that the federal government should collaborate with airlines to simplify tax procedures.
The economy is moving in the correct direction. However, the issue or challenge we face is that taxes are somewhat high, as well as ticket prices. This leads to higher costs overall, which means only a small number of people in Nigeria can afford to buy tickets.
Another party involved in aviation attributed the poor performance of the industry to the reduction in Nigerians’ available earnings.
“There’s no extra money anymore. People are definitely cutting back these days. Flying by plane has become something of a luxury,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), expressed disagreement with the notion that the aviation industry is experiencing a downturn.
Based on my experience and observations, there isn’t anything indicating such a major decline that would be categorized as a recession. Nothing suggests that to me,” he stated. “IATA data shows recovery, and the load factor remains fairly strong.
The depreciation of the Naira, with slowing inflation and progress in recovering from COVID-19 – according to an expert
An aviation specialist and the General Secretary of the Aviation Roundtable and Safety Initiative, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, mentioned during an interview with Daily Trust that the industry had been steadily rebounding after the closure caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, but this momentum was hindered by the depreciation of the naira.
Between approximately N300 and one dollar in 2019, the local currency currently trades at N1,534 as of yesterday.
Ohunayo stated, “The aviation industry was the most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. It was expected that it would require three years for air travel to return to levels seen before the pandemic. In my view, this forecast has only come true in two or three nations that have regained their 2019 standards.”
In our situation, as we begin to recover, there was a shortage of funding, particularly the dollar, which serves as the primary currency used in the industry. This impacted our ability to operate effectively, leading airlines to reduce their services, cancel certain routes, and prompting travelers to explore alternative choices.
The cost of tickets from dollars to naira surged sharply. As a result of this increase, travelers also stopped using air travel. Airlines no longer possess the same level of capacity as before, which has decreased and impacted the frequency and routes offered, as well as availability within the market.
The exchange rate between the dollar and the naira surged alongside the subsequent rise in inflation, making ticket prices more expensive for travelers.
Once more, the disposable income available to Nigerians previously has been significantly reduced due to inflation. As a result, individuals are no longer traveling for matters that are not essential. Therefore, the journey must hold great significance for those who undertake it.
Amidst all these circumstances, air transportation faced the greatest impact since it represents an upscale mode of travel and comes with a high cost.
‘Remember once again that they also imposed restrictions on private jets. Keep in mind that by 2019, the number of private jets exceeded that of scheduled flights. The crackdown on private jet activities and requiring them to formalize their documentation resulted in certain planes being removed from the country, with others being put into storage, which also impacted the aviation sector’s role in the economy.’
Specialist looks for focused assistance for struggling industry
The head of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, urged focused assistance for struggling industries.
“Particular focus must be placed on industries facing decline and those with sluggish expansion. Overcoming structural issues, enhancing financial accessibility, dealing with instability, and encouraging creativity will be essential for driving revival and development,” he stated.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Aug 11, 2025 | airline industry, aviation, civil aviation, commerce, flights
This year, Cape Town Airport outperformed Doha Hamad to claim the title of the top airport globally for passenger satisfaction, as per an annual survey conducted by AirHelp, a leading company in flight compensation worldwide.
The assessment ranked 250 global airports using three main factors: punctuality, passenger reviews, and the standard of dining and shopping facilities.
Last year, Doha Hamad was recognized as the top airport globally in the rankings; however, it dropped to second place due to an on-time performance rating of 8.2 out of 10, which is less than this year’s winner’s score of 8.6.
Doha Hamad received 9 points for the standard of cuisine and retail options, surpassing Cape Town which had 8.3 in this area.
Being the main airport that serves Doha, the capital city of Qatar, Hamad Airport provides an combination of contemporary architecture and high-quality facilities, such as a five-star hotel featuring more than 100 accommodations, lush botanical areas, and retail centers.
Featuring over 55 places to eat, the airport offers popular food chains such as Gordon Ramsay Burger, Starbucks, and Burger King.
