German union warns Ryanair's strict bag checks fuel tensions on board

German cabin crew union UFO has warned that Ryanair's stricter hand luggage checks could create new tensions on board, after the airline announced higher rewards for staff who flag oversized bags.

Michael O'Leary, the carrier's chief executive, has pledged to raise the bonus for ground staff who identify oversized bags from €1.50 ($1.75) to €2.50 per item starting in November, with no monthly cap, according to British media reports. Passengers caught will face steep baggage fees.

Ryanair says the move, which also applies to German airports, will speed up boarding by ensuring bags fit safely in the cabin and avoiding delays, which the airline says are costly.

UFO boss Joachim Vazquez Bürger said the scheme could backfire. "You spoil the mood before the flight even begins when you go after already stressed passengers," he said, warning the checks could provoke so-called "unruly passengers" — travellers whose disruptive behaviour threatens the safety of the flight.

Ryanair has taken a tough stance on such cases, imposing €500 fines on offenders and calling for alcohol bans at airports.

The airline allows one small bag, measuring no more than 40x30x20 centimetres and no heavier than 10 kilograms, with every ticket free of charge. Passengers have to pay an extra fee for standard cabin trolleys, a policy that has drawn criticism from consumer groups and the European Parliament.

A Ryanair spokesman defended the incentives, saying oversized luggage is unfair to "the over 99% of passengers who follow the luggage rules." Rival Lufthansa said it does not pay staff such bonuses, stressing that hand luggage disputes should be resolved "amicably."