Ryanair passengers will need to arrive at the airport earlier from next week, as the airline closes check-in and bag drop services 60 minutes before scheduled departure instead of the current 40 minutes. The change takes effect on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and applies across all airports Ryanair serves and to every passenger.
The budget airline said the current 40-minute window has not been allowing passengers enough time to get through security, and a 'small number of passengers' have missed flights as a result. Closing check-in 20 minutes earlier is intended to 'provide more time for passengers to get through airport security and passport queues'.
What changes for passengers
Ryanair has confirmed it will also open check-in desks earlier as part of the change. Travellers flying with the airline this winter who need to check in luggage are advised to get to the airport earlier than usual to avoid missing the new deadline.
Ryanair CMO Dara Brady said: 'From Tuesday, 10 Nov, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today's 40 minutes.' He added that this will allow the 20% of 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 airport queues can be longer.
Self-service kiosks and online check-in
The airline has also installed self-service kiosks at more than 95% of Ryanair airports. These kiosks are fully integrated with the Ryanair app, giving passengers the ability to check their bags and print bag tags. This is another move to create a 'quicker' bag-drop service and cut waiting times.
Brady explained that the 80% of customers who do not check in a bag will be unaffected by the change, as they will continue to check in online before arriving at the departure airport and go straight through airport security to their departure gate.
