Ryanair is changing its check-in rules for all passengers from next month. The budget airline will close check-in desks strictly 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time for all flights from 10 November 2026 onwards, unless passengers are notified otherwise. This gives holidaymakers an extra 20 minutes to check in at the airport compared with the current 40-minute deadline.
The airline confirmed: "For all passengers flying from 10 November 2026 onwards, the check-in desks close strictly 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time unless you are notified otherwise before flight departure. If you do not complete check-in by then you may be denied boarding without refund."
Airport check-in fees and online options
While the change gives passengers more time at the airport, checking in there could come at a cost. Ryanair stated under its 'General terms & conditions of carriage': "If you do not complete check-in online more than 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, you will be charged the airport check-in fee set out in our table of fees. If you booked a Plus or Flexi Plus ticket before the 14th of August 2025, you can check-in at the airport free of charge."
Customers can still check in online well ahead of their flight. The airline outlines on its website: "Online check-in opens 60 days before the scheduled departure time if you have purchased an allocated seat. Customers can be allocated a seat free of charge if they check-in online between 24 and 2 hours before each booked flight. You cannot check in online during the 2 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time."
Airport security rules differ across UK
Some UK airports have upgraded their security scanning equipment, allowing passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquid through security without removing liquids from hand luggage. However, these regulations differ from airport to airport, which can add confusion for travellers.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has not yet removed the liquid limit and still requires liquids to be 100ml or less in hand luggage. However, they no longer need to be in a clear plastic bag and can be kept in hand luggage when going through security.
The airport recommends passengers arrive a minimum of two hours before departure to allow sufficient time to check in, pass through security and use the facilities in the departure lounge. It also reminded passengers that it is their responsibility to arrive at the departure gate at the published boarding time as stipulated by their airline.
