Key Takeaways
- Ryanair will close check-in 60 minutes before departure from November 10 (currently 40 minutes).
- The change aims to reduce missed flights due to longer security and passport queues.
- Nearly 20% of passengers check a bag and need extra time at airports.
- EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout is causing delays, especially for UK travelers.
Why the Change?
Ryanair announced it will close passenger check-in services an hour before scheduled departure – an increase from the current 40 minutes. The airline says this will give travelers more time to get through security and passport checks, reducing the “very small number of passengers” who miss their flight while stuck in queues.
“This small 20-minute change will allow these 20% of our customers who check in a bag more time to clear through airport security and passport queues,” said Ryanair’s chief marketing officer Dara Brady.
He emphasized the importance during busy travel periods when queues at airports can become longer.
Impact of EU Border Rules
The move comes as many passengers face delays at airports across continental Europe due to the rollout of new border regulations. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) requires travelers from non-EU countries, such as the UK, to register fingerprints and have their photograph taken when entering the Schengen Area – 29 European countries, mostly within the EU.
- Real-life consequence: More than 100 easyJet passengers missed a flight from Milan Linate to Manchester earlier this month due to passport desk delays.
- The new EES system is designed to strengthen border security but has increased processing times at many airports.
What Passengers Need to Know
From November 10, Ryanair passengers must complete check-in at the airport no later than 60 minutes before departure. Online check-in will remain open until two hours before the flight.
- Baggage: The airline is installing more self-service bag drop kiosks across its network – by October, over 95% of airports served will have these.
- Failure to comply: Ryanair’s website warns that passengers who fail to check in on time “may be denied boarding without refund.”
The Bigger Picture
This policy change highlights a broader trend: longer airport processing times are becoming the new normal across Europe. As the EU tightens its external borders, airlines are adapting their operations to avoid chaos at the gate.
- Budget carriers like Ryanair are especially sensitive to delays, as missed flights cause operational headaches and customer dissatisfaction.
- The extended check-in window is a pragmatic solution, but travelers should plan to arrive at the airport even earlier than the new deadline suggests.
Bottom line: If you’re flying Ryanair after November 10, budget at least an hour for check-in – and expect queues at passport control, especially if you’re a non-EU traveler.