Ryanair is introducing new check-in rules: what will change starting November 10

Starting November 10, 2026, Ryanair will introduce new check-in rules at airports. Check-in and baggage drop-off counters will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes. The new rules will apply to all airports in the airline’s route network. At the same time, the terms for online check-in will remain unchanged. Here’s how the new rules will affect passengers and what you need to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Planning a trip abroad and want to protect yourself from unforeseen situations?

Travel insurance from Visit World will cover medical expenses, flight delays, and lost luggage in any country. Get a policy online in a few minutes and travel with confidence!

How will Ryanair’s check-in rules change starting November 10?

Starting November 10, 2026, Ryanair is reducing the time passengers have to check in and drop off baggage at the airport. The new rules will apply to all of the airline’s flights.

What will change:

- Check-in and baggage drop-off: counters will close 60 minutes before departure instead of 40 minutes

- Online check-in: remains unchanged and closes 2 hours before departure

- Passengers with carry-on luggage: after online check-in, they can proceed directly to security screening without stopping at the baggage counter

If a passenger fails to complete the required check-in by the specified deadline, the airline may deny boarding without a refund. It is important to note that Ryanair’s new rules do not change the boarding start time. They specifically concern the completion of passenger service at airport counters.

Learn more about the new carry-on baggage rules in the EU by following the link.

Why is Ryanair introducing new check-in rules?

The main reason for the changes is the long lines at security and passport control. Ryanair wants to give passengers an additional 20 minutes to go through these checks in order to reduce the number of late arrivals for flights.

According to the airline:

- About 80% of passengers check in online and do not need to check baggage at the counters

- About 20% of passengers check baggage at the airport. These passengers will be the first to be affected by the new rules

The changes are also taking place against the backdrop of the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires biometric registration of travelers from third countries. Additional checks may increase the time it takes to clear border control.

In our previous article, we covered Ryanair’s new flights for summer 2027: the first 29 routes.

New Ryanair self-service kiosks at airports

In parallel with the changes to check-in rules, Ryanair is expanding its network of self-service kiosks for baggage drop-off. According to the airline’s plan, by October 2026, these kiosks are expected to be available at over 95% of the airports where the carrier operates.

The new kiosks are integrated with the Ryanair mobile app and allow passengers to independently:

- Check baggage before the flight

- Print baggage tags

- Prepare their luggage for check-in without going to a traditional check-in counter

This automation is expected to reduce lines and speed up passenger service. Traditional check-in counters and airport staff will remain available.

In a previous article, we reported that airfare in Europe could rise significantly in 2027.

How to prepare for a Ryanair flight under the new rules?

To avoid missing your flight and incurring additional costs, Ryanair passengers should keep the following recommendations in mind:

- Arrive at the airport early. Ryanair recommends arriving at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights with passport control, it’s best to allow extra time.

- Check in online. Do this via the Ryanair website or app by the specified deadline to avoid the airport check-in fee.

- Don’t be late checking in your luggage. Starting November 10, check-in counters will close 60 minutes before departure, even if the plane is still at the airport.

- Check your boarding pass. Make sure it’s available in the Ryanair app, and also check if any additional document verification is required.

- Keep an eye on flight information. Check the boarding time, gate number, and any possible changes in the airline’s app and on the airport departure board.

The new rules are particularly important for passengers with checked baggage. For those traveling with carry-on luggage only, it’s sufficient to complete online check-in and any necessary security checks on time and proceed to the boarding gate.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or luggage problems can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

Take out a policy online at Visit World and enjoy your trip without any unnecessary worries!

We remind you! Skyscanner has highlighted 10 travel destinations for 2027 that have seen a noticeable surge in interest: from Bishkek to Samos, Greece. Read more about the top picks, their main attractions, and the best time to visit.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline