The key facts

  • From November 10, baggage must be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure instead of 40 minutes — at all Ryanair airports.
  • The change was first announced in April; according to the airline, only 20% of passengers check in baggage.
  • CEO Michael O'Leary previously predicted fare increases of up to 20% from April 2027 due to jet fuel prices.

A new baggage deadline

Starting November 10, Ryanair is introducing a single rule for all airports it operates from: bag drop desks will close 60 minutes before departure instead of the current 40 minutes. This was reported by Euronews, citing the airline's statement. The measure was first announced in April but is only now taking effect.

Who will be affected by the change

The rule affects a minority of passengers: according to Ryanair, only 20% of customers check in baggage for their flights. The airline's marketing director, Dara Brady explained the purpose of the change as follows: passengers checking in baggage will have more time to go through security and passport control and will make it to the boarding gate before boarding begins, especially during peak periods when queues are longer. She urged passengers to arrive in good time and make sure that check-in and baggage drop are completed before the desks close an hour before departure.

Context: fare forecasts

The baggage announcement came against the backdrop of other high-profile statements from Ryanair. Last week, the company's CEO Michael O'Leary told Euronewsthat over the next 12 months Europe will face the biggest airfare increase in history: according to him, airlines are largely not hedged against rising jet fuel prices from April 2027, and the surcharge for customers could reach 20%. He also predicts a reduction in seat capacity due to airline bankruptcies and takeovers amid the fuel crisis. These forecasts are the airline chief's assessment, not an established fact. O'Leary also spoke out after Ryanair's decision to cut routes in Belgium in response to the country's plan to raise aviation tax from 2 to 7 euros in January 2027.