Ryanair Implements Earlier Check-In Closure to Combat Border Delays
Ryanair has announced it will close its airport check-in desks 20 minutes earlier, a move designed to prevent passengers from missing flights due to increasing border queues across Europe. The budget airline, which transports 200 million passengers annually, will enforce this change starting in November, requiring all travellers dropping bags or checking in at the airport to do so one hour before departure, up from the current 40-minute deadline.
Addressing Passenger Concerns Over Queue Times
The airline stated that this adjustment will provide additional time for passengers to navigate airport security and passport control, thereby reducing the number of individuals who miss their flights because of lengthy queues. While Ryanair clarified that the decision was not directly prompted by the introduction of Europe's Entry-Exit System (EES), which mandates biometric data collection for most non-EU citizens at borders, the airline acknowledged that the system has contributed to longer passport wait times.
Reports have emerged of delays lasting several hours at some airports during the phased rollout of the EES since October. In response, Greece has decided not to enforce the new checks on UK nationals this summer to avoid potential border chaos. Notably, over 100 passengers missed an easyJet flight in Milan this month due to passport queues after the EES officially took full effect.
Minimal Impact on Majority of Passengers
Ryanair emphasised that most of its customers will be unaffected by the check-in change, as approximately 80% complete their formalities online and proceed directly to the departure gate. The airline revealed that only about 20% of its customers check in bags at airports, with the majority opting to pay for cabin bags or travel without any luggage.
To streamline operations further, Ryanair plans to install self-service bag-drop kiosks at more than 95% of its airports by October. Dara Brady, Ryanair's chief marketing officer, commented that this initiative will result in a "quicker bag-drop service, less queueing at airport desks, and an even more punctual service for the 20% of our customers who still wish to check in a bag."
Ryanair's History of Baggage Policy Innovations
As Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair has been a pioneer in altering baggage regulations, including introducing fees for cabin bags. The airline is known for strictly enforcing size limits and incentivising staff to identify and fine passengers who exceed them. Although many of these changes have initially sparked public outcry, Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, has remained unapologetic, suggesting that travellers should appreciate the encouragement to travel light.
This latest policy shift underscores Ryanair's ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving travel dynamics while maintaining operational efficiency amidst growing concerns over border management in Europe.
