Business · Companies · 10 hrs ago
Ryanair will close airport check-in and bag drop 60 minutes before flights
From 10 November 2026, Ryanair will close airport check-in and bag drop 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of 40 minutes.
The change applies across the airports served by the airline and affects passengers checking in at the airport or handing over a hold bag.
About 20% of Ryanair passengers check a bag, and they will need to leave enough time to complete those steps before the new deadline.
Ryanair says the extra time is intended to help them get through security and passport-control queues and reach their gate, especially at busy times.
The other 80% of passengers are not affected if they check in online and travel without a bag to check.
Online check-in timings remain unchanged, and the airline recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before the flight.
Passengers who miss the new deadline may not be able to check their bag, so they will need to contact ground staff about possible alternatives.
Ryanair will close airport check-in desks and bag drop 60 minutes before scheduled departure from 10 November 2026.
The deadline is 20 minutes earlier than the current 40-minute cutoff and applies at all airports served by the airline.
The change mainly affects the roughly 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a hold bag.
Passengers who check in online and travel without a hold bag will not be affected by the change.
Ryanair says the earlier cutoff is intended to give passengers more time to clear security and passport-control queues and reach their gate.
- Who
- Ryanair and its passengers, especially those checking in hold bags.
- What
- Airport check-in and bag drop will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of 40 minutes before.
- When
- From 10 November 2026.
- Where
- All airports served by Ryanair.
- Why
- Ryanair says the change will give passengers more time to clear queues and reduce the risk of missing flights.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ryanair initially announced the change.
The company reiterated the change, according to Sky TG24.
The new 60-minute deadline for airport check-in and bag drop takes effect.
- New deadline
- 60 minutes before scheduled departure
- Current deadline
- 40 minutes before scheduled departure
- Affected passengers
- About 20% check in a hold bag
- Unaffected passengers
- 80% do not check in hold bags
- Online check-in
- Unchanged; available until two hours before departure
3 sources
What people are saying
This small change will give 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a hold bag more time to get through security and passport-control queues and reach the departure gate before boarding begins, especially during busy periods, when airport queues can be longer
It will allow 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag more time to get through security and passport-control queues and reach their boarding gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy periods