Ryanair passengers travelling with checked luggage will need to arrive at the airport earlier from next week. The airline has confirmed that from Tuesday, November 10, a significant change will be introduced to its baggage drop-off rules.
The new policy will see airport bag drop desks and physical check-in counters close 60 minutes before scheduled departure. Previously, passengers were allowed to hand over their hold luggage up to 40 minutes before take-off. The change means travellers will lose 20 minutes of the time previously available to check in their luggage, making it particularly important for those travelling during busy periods to plan their airport arrival carefully.
Earlier baggage drop deadline
Under the revised arrangements, all Ryanair airport bag drop facilities and physical check-in desks will close exactly one hour before the scheduled departure time. For example, anyone booked on a flight departing at 10am will now need to have checked in their luggage by 9am. Under the existing arrangements, the deadline would have been 9.20am.
The airline says the additional 20 minutes will help passengers move through airport security and passport control before boarding begins. The adjustment is expected to affect around 20% of Ryanair customers who travel with checked baggage or require assistance at airport check-in counters.
Anyone who has purchased a 10kg or 20kg checked baggage allowance will need to ensure their luggage has been accepted before the new deadline.
Ryanair explains why it is changing the rules
Ryanair's chief marketing officer, Dara Brady, confirmed the change and explained that it is intended to make the airport experience smoother for passengers checking in luggage.
He said: "From Tues, 10 Nov, bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of the current 40 minutes."
"This small change will give the 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag, more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and get to their departure gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy travel periods when airport queues can be longer."
Most Ryanair passengers will not be affected
Despite the change, the vast majority of Ryanair customers will be able to continue travelling exactly as they do now. Around 80% of passengers travel with only cabin baggage and complete check-in via the airline's website or mobile app.
Those who have already checked in online and downloaded their digital boarding passes will not need to visit an airport check-in counter or bag drop desk.
Ryanair's online check-in arrangements remain unchanged. Passengers can continue checking in through the airline's website or app up to two hours before their scheduled departure. This means the new 60-minute deadline applies specifically to passengers who need to use airport bag drop services or physical check-in facilities.
