Ryanair tightens rules: check-in desks now close one hour before departure

Update to pre-flight procedure

Airline Ryanair has implemented changes to its regulations regarding flight check-in and baggage acceptance. Under the new rules, desks for these procedures now close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Previously, this deadline was 40 minutes.

The new standards have already come into effect. Meanwhile, the carrier had informed about its intention to change the terms back in April of this year.

Justification for the decision

Ryanair’s press service explained that this initiative is driven by the need to account for significant queues at security and passport control points. According to the company’s assessment, closing the desks earlier will give passengers who are checking in baggage sufficient time to complete all pre-flight formalities and arrive at their boarding point on time.

Who will be affected by the changes

The update to the rules will affect approximately 20% of the airline’s customers, specifically those travellers who are flying with checked baggage. Passengers who have already completed online check-in and have only hand luggage will be able to continue proceeding directly to security control without any changes to their routine.

Technological solutions for optimisation

In addition to changing the timeframes, Ryanair plans to install self-service baggage drop terminals in more than 95% of the airports served by the company. This is expected to reduce the load on standard desks and simplify the baggage check-in process.