Ryanair's new check-in policy has come into force today, reducing the free check-in window from four days to just 48 hours unless passengers pay £4 to reserve a seat. The change, which applies to all flights from Wednesday, June 13, means that passengers who do not pay for seat selection must check in between 48 hours and two hours before departure.
Previously, customers could check in for free up to four days in advance, and two years ago the window was seven days. The reduction has sparked criticism on social media, with passengers expressing confusion and frustration. Kara Newsome tweeted: '@Ryanair I'm confused by your new check in rules. I now have to check in online between 48-2 hours before my flight. What happens when I'm on holiday and have no way of getting online or to a printer before my journey?'
Shane McKinney added: '@Ryanair your new check-in policy is a disgrace. Praying on people that aren’t technologically inclined enough to check in for return flights when abroad. Screwing over your own customers AGAIN.'
A Ryanair spokesperson defended the change, stating: 'Online check-in (for those customers who don’t choose reserved seats) will be available from 48 hours to two hours pre-departure for all flights from Wednesday, June 13. This is double the 24 hour check-in period operated by Aer Lingus, British Airways, Lufthansa, Norwegian and Iberia. This will give reserve seat customers more time to select their preferred seats prior to departure.'
The new policy increases the likelihood that passengers will need to find internet access while abroad to download return-journey boarding passes, as many currently do this at home. If passengers fail to download or print their passes before arriving at the airport, Ryanair can charge them £55.
