Ryanair is introducing a new '60-minute rule' for baggage drop services, requiring passengers to check in their bags at least an hour before their scheduled flight departure. This change, effective November 10, shortens the previous 40-minute window and is intended to help passengers navigate airport security and passport control queues more efficiently, ensuring they reach their departure gates on time.
This adjustment will primarily affect the 20% of Ryanair passengers who typically check a bag. For the remaining 80%, who travel with carry-on luggage only, the process remains unchanged. These passengers can continue to check in online before their flight and proceed directly to security and their departure gate.
Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, stated that the extended hour aims to provide those checking bags with more time, particularly during peak travel periods when queues can be longer. He advised passengers to arrive at the airport with ample time to utilize the bag drop services.
The new policy follows a period of significant travel disruption across Europe, partly attributed to the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES). This automated border system for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens entering the Schengen Area, has led to extended queues and missed flights at various airports.
Ryanair has been vocal about the EES, with CEO Michael O'Leary previously warning that flights would not wait for passengers delayed by border control. He emphasized that the airline's priority is passengers who are at the boarding gate when boarding commences, and those not present will be left behind.
This stance was highlighted in May when a Ryanair flight from Toulouse to London Stansted departed without approximately 150 passengers who were delayed by lengthy border control queues. One passenger described the airport situation as "pure chaos." O'Leary has indicated that passengers encountering such delays do not have recourse for compensation related to missed flights due to border control issues and reiterated the importance of arriving at the airport early.