Ryanair passengers could face an unexpected £55 charge at the airport due to a rule change implemented last November. The budget airline, known for its no-frills service, now requires all travelers to check in online and use digital boarding passes via its app.
What Has Changed?
Ryanair transitioned to 100% digital boarding passes in November 2025, eliminating paper passes. The move aims to reduce costs, improve service, streamline rebooking, and save 300 tonnes of paper annually. Passengers who fail to check in online will incur a £55 airport check-in fee, or the euro equivalent.
Online Check-In Details
Online check-in opens 60 days before departure for those who have purchased allocated seats, or 24 hours beforehand for passengers willing to accept random seat assignments. Regardless of seating preferences, the check-in window closes two hours before scheduled departure.
How to Avoid the Fee
To avoid the £55 charge, ensure you have a valid boarding pass ready before arriving at the airport. Passengers without a smartphone or tablet can receive a free boarding pass from Ryanair, provided they have completed online check-in beforehand. The airline also sends reminders to check in online shortly before departure.
Ryanair's policy permits standard fare passengers only one small personal item as hand luggage without extra charges. Items exceeding permitted dimensions must be placed in the aircraft hold at an additional cost.
