Ryanair changes luggage drop policy. Photo: daily_creativity / Shutterstock Ryanair has announced a change to its airport check-in and bag drop policy, extending the deadline for passengers checking in luggage.
From Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the airline will require bag drop and airport check-in to close 60 minutes before departure, up from the current 40-minute limit. The change applies across its entire network.
The airline said the adjustment is meant to lower the number of missed flights caused by longer security and passport queues, with special emphasis on busy travel periods.
The low-cost carrier also noted that about 20% of its passengers check in baggage at the airport, while the remaining 80% travel with hand luggage only and check in online in advance. Those passengers will not be affected by the change and will continue to go directly through security to their gate.
The airline will also expand its self-service infrastructure, making sure that more than 95% of its airports will have fully-fucntional self-service bag drop kiosks by October. The kiosks will be integrated with the Ryanair app, enabling passengers to print bag tags and drop luggage more quickly without waiting at staffed counters.
Ryanair said the goal is to streamline the airport experience and improve punctuality by reducing bottlenecks at peak times.
Ryanair CMO Dara Brady reiterated that most passengers would not notice any change to their journey, since the majority already check in online and avoid airport desks altogether.
The airline also emphasized that the broader rollout of self-service technology is intended to reduce wait times and improve airport operations.
The update is part of Ryanair’s ongoing effort to simplify airport processes while handling growing passenger volumes across Europe.