As we brace for the new hand luggage rules to take effect in Europe in 2027, Ryanair has confirmed changes to checked luggage rules and airport check-in times. While the hand luggage news was more on the positive side, this one is less so.
Starting from Tuesday, November 10, passengers flying from the UK will officially have less time to drop off their checked luggage and check in at the airport.
Previously, those with checked luggage or having to do an airport check-in had up to 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time to do so. However, the new rules have changed to allow travellers 60 minutes before their flight, which is 20 minutes less.
While it aims to give passengers more time to clear airport security queues, it is unclear what the airline will do during busy periods at check-in, especially when one or two desks are designated for multiple flights.
So, from November 10, holiday-goers travelling with Ryanair must drop off their 10kg, 20kg or 23kg checked bags 60 minutes before their flight at the check-in desk.
And, of course, passengers who are travelling with hand luggage only are unaffected by this change.
Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: “From Tues, 10 Nov, bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.
“This small change will give the 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and get to their departure gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy travel periods when airport queues can be longer.
“We remind passengers using airport bag drop services to arrive at the airport in good time and ensure they have checked in and dropped their bags before check-in and bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure.
“The remaining 80% of passengers who check in online and do not check in a bag are unaffected by this change.”
