A leaked poster at Jersey Airport has allegedly encouraged ground handlers to target easyJet passengers with oversized cabin bags in order to meet revenue targets. The sign, which was shared anonymously on a local Facebook group called Good or Bad Jersey Businesses, read: 'KEEP IT UP!!! Let's hit EasyJet revenue target!! Let's hit £200 revenue per flight !!!!'
The poster featured images of a card machine, cash, and a hand baggage sizer used at check-in, as reported by ITV News. easyJet has distanced itself from the poster, stating that it is not an easyJet document and does not reflect the company's policy. The airline added that it does not set bag charge targets.
Ground handling at Jersey Airport is managed by Swissport, a third-party firm. Swissport confirmed that the sign has been removed and stated: 'The old sign has been removed. We comply with airlines' baggage policies. As a ground handler, we are contracted to do so.'
A Ports of Jersey spokesperson commented: 'Passenger experience is very important to us, including the clarity of information presented within the airport environment. The sign referenced appeared in a non-passenger area and used messaging that did not reflect the customer experience PoJ expects from all operators at the airport. The sign has been removed. To avoid unexpected charges, passengers are encouraged to check their airline's baggage policies in advance of travel.'
The Independent has sought comment from Jersey Airport. This incident follows a similar report last summer, when a leaked email revealed that Swissport staff had been earning cash bonuses for every easyJet passenger they caught with oversized cabin bags. An internal email seen by The Sunday Times indicated that staff were told they were 'eligible to receive £1.20 (£1 after tax) for every gate bag taken, effective immediately.'
A Swissport spokesperson previously told The Independent: 'We serve our airline customers and apply their policies under terms and conditions for managing their operation. We're highly professional, and our focus is on delivering safe and efficient operations, which we do day in and day out for four million flights per year.'
