Ryanair is reminding passengers that its new luggage check-in rule takes effect on November 10, 2026, requiring travellers to arrive at the airport earlier than before. Airport bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.
This means passengers with bags to check in may need to reach their departure airport 20 minutes earlier than previously required. The change was originally announced in April.
Why the change is being introduced
Ryanair says the adjustment will give passengers who check a bag "more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and reach their departure gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy travel periods."
The airline estimates that around 20 per cent of its customers travel with checked luggage and will be affected by the new cut-off time. The remaining 80 per cent who travel without checked bags will not be affected.
Self-service kiosks expand
Ryanair is also introducing more self-service bag drop kiosks across its network, with plans for them to be available at more than 95 per cent of airports by the end of this month. These machines allow passengers to check in luggage and print bag tags themselves, which the airline hopes will reduce queues.
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 per cent 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."
Online check-in remains separate
Passengers should 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 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.
