Ryanair has updated several travel regulations, prompting passengers to review the latest rules before flying. The changes include increased hand luggage dimensions, mandatory online check-in, and earlier bag drop cut-off times.
Following an EU legislation change, Ryanair expanded its personal bag allowance by 20%. Passengers can now bring a bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, an increase from the previous 40 x 20 x 25cm limit. This applies to the one small personal bag allowed under the seat in front.
As of November 2025, Ryanair has moved to 100% digital boarding passes via its app, eliminating paper passes to reduce costs and save 300 tonnes of paper annually. Online check-in opens 60 days before departure for seat purchasers, or 24 hours in advance for free seat allocation, and closes two hours before scheduled departure. Failure to check in online incurs a £55 or €55 airport check-in fee.
For passengers without a smartphone or tablet, Ryanair will print boarding passes free of charge if online check-in is completed beforehand. The airline also sends reminders to check in online ahead of departure.
From Tuesday, November 10, Ryanair will close check-in and bag drop services 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes. The change aims to give passengers more time to clear security and passport queues, especially during busy periods. Ryanair CMO Dara Brady stated that the 20% of customers who check in a bag will benefit, while the 80% who do not will be unaffected as they already check in online.
