Ryanair is implementing a significant change to its check-in procedures, with desks set to close 20 minutes earlier than the current policy. This adjustment comes as new European Union border controls have resulted in substantial delays for passengers at airports across the continent.
Revised Check-in Times from November
Currently, the airline permits passengers to check in until 40 minutes before their scheduled departure. However, starting in November, check-in desks will close a full hour before take-off. This means holidaymakers and business travellers alike will need to arrive at the airport earlier to ensure they do not miss their flights.
EU Entry/Exit System Causes Disruption
The primary driver behind this change is the implementation of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which collects biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans from visitors arriving from outside the European Union. This system has already caused notable disruption at several European airports, leading to lengthy queues and passenger frustration.
In one recent incident, more than 100 passengers missed an easyJet flight earlier this month due to extensive queues at Milan's airport. The delays have been particularly challenging for British travellers, with some reports of individuals being stranded as a result of the new checks.
Greece Defies EU on Biometric Tests
Interestingly, Greece has taken a divergent approach by dropping the biometric tests for visitors from the United Kingdom. This decision is largely influenced by the significant contribution British tourists make to Greece's tourism-centred economy, highlighting the economic pressures surrounding these new border measures.
Ryanair's Broader Operational Changes
The earlier check-in closure is also part of Ryanair's broader rollout of self-service bag drop kiosks. The airline aims to have these kiosks installed at over 95 per cent of its airports by October, promising a quicker and more efficient service for passengers checking in luggage.
Dara Brady, Ryanair's chief marketing officer, explained the rationale behind the timing adjustment. "From Tuesday, 10 November next, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today's 40 minutes," he stated.
Brady added, "This will allow these 20 per cent 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."
Impact on Passengers
According to Ryanair, approximately 80 per cent of its customers who do not check in bags will be unaffected by this change, as they can continue to check in online and proceed directly to security. However, for the remaining 20 per cent who do check luggage, the earlier closure necessitates more careful travel planning.
Context of Ryanair's Strict Policies
This move aligns with Ryanair's reputation for enforcing strict operational rules. The airline's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, has previously offered staff bonuses for fining passengers with overweight luggage, and last year, the firm banned paper boarding passes, requiring travellers to use the Ryanair app instead.
The EES scheme is just one of several EU regulations that have been criticised for slowing down tourist travel. In a related development, pet owners have been informed that their pet passports are no longer valid unless they reside within the European Union on a full-time basis, adding another layer of complexity for cross-border travel.
As the November deadline approaches, passengers are advised to review their travel schedules and allow extra time at airports to accommodate these new border procedures and Ryanair's updated check-in policy.
