Ryanair has implemented several important rule changes that passengers may not be aware of. Travellers booked to fly with the airline in 2026 should familiarise themselves with the updated requirements to ensure a hassle-free trip and avoid additional fees.
Increased Personal Bag Allowance
Following an EU law amendment, Ryanair increased the dimensions of its personal bag allowance. Under the new regulation, passengers are now entitled to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, a 20% increase from the former 40 x 20 x 25cm size restrictions. This change applies to the small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front.
Digital Boarding Passes Only
As of November 2025, Ryanair has switched to 100% digital boarding passes via its app, eliminating paper passes. This move aims to reduce costs, improve service, streamline rebooking, and save 300 tonnes of paper annually. Passengers must complete online check-in and store their boarding pass on a smartphone or tablet. For those without a smart device, Ryanair will print a boarding pass free of charge, provided online check-in has been completed before arriving at the airport.
Check-In Timing and Fees
Online check-in opens 60 days before departure if you have purchased a seat, or 24 hours beforehand if you opt for a complimentary seat assignment. It closes two hours before the scheduled take-off time. Failure to check in online results in an airport check-in charge of £55 or 55 euros. Ryanair will send reminders to passengers to check in online ahead of their flight.
Earlier Check-In and Bag Drop Closure
In an announcement made last week, Ryanair revealed that its check-in and bag drop services will now close one hour before departure, 20 minutes earlier than the previous 40-minute cut-off. This change takes effect from Tuesday, November 10. The airline stated that this adjustment gives passengers more time to clear airport security and passport queues, especially during busy travel periods.
Ryanair CMO Dara Brady commented: "From Tues 10 Nov next, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today's 40 minutes. This will allow these 20% of our customers (who check in a bag) more time to clear through airport security and passport queues, and get to their departure gate on-time, especially during busy travel periods when some of these airport queues can be longer."
Brady added that self-service kiosks are being installed at over 95% of Ryanair airports before October, promising a quicker bag-drop service and less queuing. The 80% of customers who do not check in a bag will be unaffected, as they continue to check in online and proceed directly to security.
