Checking luggage with Ryanair? Airline announces earlier baggage drop deadline

Ryanair passengers will have to drop their luggage at least 60 minutes before departure from next month, the airline announced. Currently, passengers can use airport bag drop services up to 40 minutes prior to their scheduled flight. The change will take effect at all airports Ryanair operates from on November 10. The airline introduced the adjustment in April to provide more time for security and passport control queues, which is crucial for the 20% of passengers who check in bags.

Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, stated that this change will help customers during busy periods when airport queues may be longer. The airline reminded passengers to arrive at the airport on time and ensure they have completed check-in and bag drop before the 60-minute deadline. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary recently warned that Europe could face the biggest rise in airfares in history over the next year due to higher jet fuel prices and potential airline bankruptcies.

He also predicted fewer seats due to airline takeovers following fuel crises. This move comes after Ryanair announced it would reduce routes to Belgium as part of plans to increase the country's aviation tax from €2 to €7 in January 2027. With its bases across Europe, including Dublin, Ryanair remains the largest airline in the region.