B1 – Intermediate
In an attempt to solve the problem with passengers’ oversized carry-on suitcases, the Irish budget airline Ryanair plans to give its staff a bonus they call “gate bag bonus”. Essentially, it is an incentive that the airline employees receive for intercepting bags that are bigger than what is stipulated in the airline’s bag policies.
Read the article about Ryanair’s “gate bag bonus” for its staff and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250724-oversized-luggage-2.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “budget airline”? “The budget airline Ryanair has a plan for the problem of oversized luggage.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “spot” mean here, “The airline will increase the bonus it pays to staff for spotting bags that are too big. Staff currently get a “gate bag bonus” of $1.75 a passenger.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
- What does “cap” mean here, “This is capped at about $95 a month. Ryanair’s CEO wants to remove this cap.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about the “gate bag bonus” from a business standpoint?
- How about as a passenger?
- Why do you think airlines like Ryanair want the problem of oversized luggage to disappear?
- “Passengers must pay a fee of up to $88 for oversized bags.” Is this reasonable? Share your opinion.
- Have you ever had problems with excess baggage or problems with your suitcases before or after a flight? Talk about your experience.
- Share your thoughts on this, “Ryanair’s CEO said stricter rules were necessary, even though most people follow the rules.”