Ryanair has introduced significant changes to its luggage, boarding pass and check-in policies, effective from November 2025. Travellers booked for 2026 should be aware of the updated rules to avoid additional fees.
Following an EU law amendment, the airline increased its personal bag allowance dimensions to 40 x 30 x 20cm, a 20% rise from the previous 40 x 20 x 25cm. Passengers are entitled to one small bag that fits under the seat.
As of November 2025, Ryanair has switched to 100% digital boarding passes via its app, eliminating paper passes. This move aims to reduce costs, improve service, streamline rebooking, and save 300 tonnes of paper annually. Passengers must complete online check-in, which opens 60 days before departure if a seat is purchased, or 24 hours before for complimentary seat assignments. Online check-in closes two hours before scheduled take-off. Failure to check in online results in a £55 or €55 airport check-in charge.
For those without a smartphone or tablet, Ryanair will print a boarding pass free of charge if online check-in has been completed. The airline will send reminders to passengers to check in online ahead of departure.
Additionally, from Tuesday, November 10, check-in and bag drop services will close 60 minutes before departure, 20 minutes earlier than the previous 40-minute cut-off. Ryanair CMO Dara Brady said this change gives passengers more time to clear security and passport queues, especially during busy periods. Self-service kiosks are being installed at over 95% of Ryanair airports before October to speed up bag-drop services.
