Ryanair has announced a significant change to its airport procedures, requiring passengers who use check-in or bag-drop services to complete them 20 minutes earlier than before. Starting November 10, these services will close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time, compared to the current 40 minutes. The airline stated this adjustment aims to give travelers more time to clear security and passport checks, thereby reducing the number of passengers who miss their flights due to long queues.
New Policy Details
According to Ryanair's website, passengers who fail to check in on time "may be denied boarding without refund." The new rule applies to all passengers needing airport check-in or bag-drop services. However, online check-in remains available until two hours before departure, offering flexibility for those who prefer digital processing.
Ryanair's chief marketing officer, Dara Brady, explained that the "small 20-minute change" will benefit the 20% of customers who check in a bag, providing them with extra time to navigate airport security and passport queues and reach their departure gate punctually. He emphasized that this is particularly crucial during busy travel periods when queues can be longer.
Background and Context
Many UK passengers have recently experienced delays at airports across continental Europe due to the rollout of new border rules. The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) requires travelers from non-EU countries, such as the UK, to register fingerprints and have their photograph taken when entering the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries, primarily within the EU.
Earlier this month, over 100 easyJet passengers missed a flight to Manchester after being stuck in passport control queues at Milan Linate airport. Such incidents highlight the challenges posed by the new system.
Ryanair's Response
To mitigate these issues, Ryanair is installing more self-service bag drop kiosks across its network. By October, over 95% of the airports it serves will be equipped with these kiosks, streamlining the check-in process and reducing wait times.
Ryanair's new policy is a proactive measure to ensure passengers have adequate time to complete necessary procedures and avoid missing their flights. The airline encourages travelers to use online check-in and arrive at the airport well in advance to accommodate potential delays.
