Ryanair passengers who do not check in online before arriving at the airport could be charged an airport check-in fee of £55/€55. The airline advises all travellers to complete online check-in up to two hours before scheduled departure to avoid the extra cost.
Airport check-in fee warning
The Ryanair website states: "If you do not check in online up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, you may check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before departure, but you will be charged an airport check-in fee." It adds: "We urge all passengers to check in online before arriving at the airport so these fees can be avoided."
While the fee covers the check-in procedure at the airport counter, boarding passes are printed free of charge. However, prices can occasionally differ depending on the travel route.
Why paper backups matter
Mark Finley, Manager and printing expert at Choice Stationery Supplies, highlighted the risks of relying solely on digital documents: "Paperless works right up until it doesn't. A dead battery at the gate, no signal, an app that won't load - a printed backup costs pence and takes the whole problem off the table."
He also noted that mobile theft is a common crime targeting tourists, with travellers singled out in airports, on public transport and in busy city centres. Losing a phone abroad means losing boarding passes, booking confirmations, insurance details and tickets in one go. Printed copies serve as a safeguard that cannot be remotely stolen.
Documents to print before travelling
Finley advises printing several documents before departure, including:
- Car hire voucher
- Visa or ETA confirmation, if required
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Travel insurance details
- Prescription letter for any medication being carried
Keeping these documents together with a passport ensures travellers have a backup if their phone breaks or is lost.
