Ryanair Sets New Bag Drop Deadline: 60 Minutes Before Departure
From 10 November 2026, Ryanair passengers checking in baggage must do so at least 60 minutes before their flight, up from 40 minutes. The airline also warned of possible fare increases across Europe.
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Ryanair passengers who plan to check in baggage will need to allow extra time from 10 November 2026. The Irish low-cost carrier is extending the bag drop deadline from 40 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time, across all airports it serves.
The change, first announced in April, is designed to give passengers more time to clear security and passport control, particularly during busy periods. According to Ryanair, approximately 20% of its passengers check in baggage.
"This small change will give passengers who check in baggage more time to pass through security and passport control and to reach their boarding gate before boarding begins," said Dara Brady, Ryanair's Director of Marketing.
The airline reminds travellers to arrive at the airport on time and complete check-in and bag drop before the counters close, i.e. no later than 60 minutes before departure.
For travellers from Croatia, where Ryanair operates numerous routes including from Zagreb, this means adjusting arrival times at airports to avoid missing the new deadline.
In a separate announcement, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned that Europe could see the largest increase in airfares in history over the next 12 months. He cited rising jet fuel prices from April 2027, which airlines have not sufficiently hedged against, as the main reason. Fares could rise by up to 20%, and fewer seats may be available due to fuel-related bankruptcies and takeovers.
Ryanair also announced a reduction in routes to Belgium from January 2027, citing a planned increase in the country's aviation tax from €2 to €7 per passenger.
