Ryanair passengers travelling with checked luggage face a new airport deadline from November 10, when the budget airline will close its airport check-in and bag drop desks 60 minutes before a flight is due to depart.
This is a change from the current 40-minute cut-off, meaning passengers will have 20 minutes less to drop off their suitcases before travelling. Anyone who usually leaves checking in their luggage until the last minute will need to plan ahead, as those who miss the deadline could be refused boarding.
Reason for the change
Ryanair says the change is being introduced to give passengers more time to get through airport security and passport control, particularly during busy travel periods when queues can be longer.
The airline estimates that around 20% of its customers travel with checked luggage and will be affected by the new cut-off time. However, the remaining 80% who travel without checked bags will not be affected by the change.
Airline statement
Ryanair's chief marketing officer Dara Brady said: "From Tues 10 Nov next, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today’s 40 minutes."
"This will allow these 20% of our customers (who check in a bag) more time to clear through airport security and passport queues, and get to their departure gate on-time, especially during busy travel periods when some of these airport queues can be longer."
Self-service kiosks and online check-in
The airline is also introducing more self-service bag drop kiosks across its network, with plans for them to be available at more than 95% of airports by October. These machines will allow passengers to check in their luggage and print bag tags themselves, which Ryanair hopes will reduce queues.
Passengers should also remember that online check-in is separate from the new luggage rule. Ryanair customers must still complete online check-in through the airline's website or app at least two hours before their scheduled departure.
Those who fail to check in online may face an airport check-in fee of £55, while passengers who miss the airport check-in deadline risk being denied boarding without a refund.
