Ryanair will close check-in earlier to help deal with airport delays
Self-service check-in to be deployed at majority of airports
The change will give passengers more time to make their way through airport security and passport control
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Low-cost carrier Ryanair will close luggage check-in desks earlier to help deal with longer airport security queues… but not until November.
Changes will see the airline close its drop-off service for luggage and in-person check-in (although this now can come at an extra cost) one hour before a flight’s scheduled departure time. Currently, these close 40 minutes before scheduled departure times.
The change will take place from November 10, 2026, impacting around 20% of passengers with the airline who opt to purchase hold luggage as part of their ticket.
While the changes are not directly linked to the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), it will give passengers additional time to make their way through security and passport controls, including EES verifications for those exiting the bloc.
Hours-long delays and passengers missing flights have become frequently reported in relation to the EES, particularly for those travelling out of the EU to a non-EU country such as the UK.
This comes from a mix of increased checks on individuals leaving the bloc (including checking biometric information) that is prolonging border security.
It has led passengers to question whether they should begin arriving at airports earlier.
However, airlines have not altered rules to allow passengers to check in earlier, meaning this does not ensure travellers will avoid delays.
Self-service check-in desks
Around 95% of Ryanair’s check-in desks will be self-service by October 2026, the airline said in a press release, also helping to make check-in easier for passengers.
“This means a quicker bag-drop service, less queuing at airport desks, and an even more punctual service,” for those checking a bag, said Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady as part of the announcement.
“The 80% [of passengers 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,” he added.
