Ryanair Tightens Check-In to 60 Minutes Before Departure

Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, announced on Monday that it will tighten its airport check-in and bag drop deadlines starting November 10, closing services 60 minutes before scheduled departures instead of the current 40 minutes. The policy change applies to all airports served by the airline and aims to help passengers navigate longer security and passport control queues, reducing instances where travelers miss their flights.

The adjustment primarily affects the 20 percent of Ryanair passengers who check in luggage, giving them additional time to clear airport bottlenecks and reach their gates before boarding. Those traveling with only hand luggage, who make up the remaining 80 percent, remain unaffected as they can complete online check-in up to two hours before departure and proceed directly to security. Ryanair officials stated that the move addresses a small but persistent issue of delays caused by crowded queues, particularly during peak travel periods. To offset the earlier closure, the airline plans to open check-in desks sooner at affected locations.

This decision comes amid the rollout of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), which became mandatory...