Ryanair Extends Online Check-In Window to 72 Hours
The airline now allows online check-in for random seat allocation from 72 hours to two hours before departure, and shortens bag drop cut-off.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Air Travel
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Ryanair has extended its online check-in window for passengers who do not reserve a seat to 72 hours before departure, closing two hours before flights. The airline also shortened its airport bag drop cut-off from 40 minutes to 60 minutes before departure, effective November 10.
Why it matters
The change affects travelers choosing free random seat allocation, who now have a wider check-in window but must check in at least two hours before departure to avoid a charge. Commentary attributes the shift to rules aimed at reducing the benefit of not paying for a seat.
Ryanair's online check-in opens 72 hours before departure for random seat allocation, closing two hours before flight time, while bag drop now closes 60 minutes before departure instead of 40. Paid seat selection costs between £3 and £42.50, and failing to check in online two hours before departure carries a £55 or €55 charge per person.
The players
Ryanair
Ryanair is an Irish low-cost airline headquartered in Dublin that operates a large European short-haul network.
The details
Passengers who do not reserve a seat are assigned a random seat after online check-in, which now opens 72 hours before departure rather than 24. Ryanair charges £55 or €55 per person for failing to complete online check-in at least two hours before departure, and some weekend-flight passengers received random seat numbers three hours before departure.
Timeline
Previous policy: online check-in opened 24 hours before departure.
November 10: bag drop cut-off changed to 60 minutes before departure.
Travel Outlook
Ryanair's ancillary-fee model, which charges separately for seat selection from £3 to £42.50, is the backdrop for this change. The timing and bag drop adjustments extend a long-running strategy of converting free travel options into paid ones.
Travelers who skip paid seat selection should complete online check-in at least two hours before departure to avoid the £55 or €55 charge. Bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure, so arriving earlier at the airport is now necessary.
The takeaway
Check in online early and compare seat selection prices before booking, since timing rules now shape both cost and convenience. Build in extra time at the airport, as bag drop closes earlier than before.
Further reading
For more on how airlines structure fees and check-in rules, see Air Travel.
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Do you think airline fees for seats and check-in make flying more expensive for you?
