Ryanair has announced a significant change to its check-in and bag drop procedures that every passenger should be aware of. Starting November 10, 2026, check-in and bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time, instead of the current 40 minutes. This change aims to reduce the number of passengers missing flights due to lengthy airport queues.
Why the Change?
According to Ryanair, the previous 40-minute window did not provide enough time for passengers to clear security and passport control, leading to a small number of missed flights. By closing check-in 20 minutes earlier, the airline hopes to give passengers more time to reach their departure gate.
New Check-In and Bag Drop Timings
The new rule will apply to all passengers who need to check in luggage. Those who only carry hand luggage and check in online before arriving at the airport will not be affected. Ryanair will also open check-in desks earlier to accommodate the change.
Ryanair CMO Dara Brady stated: “From Tuesday, 10 Nov next, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today’s 40 minutes. This will allow these 20% of our customers (who check in a bag) more time to clear through airport security and passport queues, and get to their departure gate on time, especially during busy travel periods when some of these airport queues can be longer.”
Self-Service Kiosks
In addition to the timing change, Ryanair is installing self-service kiosks at over 95% of its airports before October 2026. These kiosks are fully integrated with the Ryanair app, allowing passengers to check bags and print bag tags. This move is intended to create a quicker bag-drop service and reduce waiting times.
Brady added: “The 80% who don’t check in a bag will be unaffected by this small 20-minute change, as they will continue to check in online before they arrive at the departure airport and they go straight through airport security to their departure gate.”
What Passengers Should Do
Passengers travelling with Ryanair from November 2026 should plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially if they need to check in luggage. The new 60-minute cutoff means that arriving at the check-in desk 50 minutes before departure will result in being denied boarding. To avoid missing flights, it is recommended to check in online and arrive at the airport with ample time.
