Ryanair has revealed a significant boarding pass change, due to come into effect later this year. From May 2025, passengers will have to adhere to this, along with many of the airline’s other stringent rules.
Failing to follow Ryanair regulations may result in passengers being hit with extra charges at the airport, so it is important to make sure you’re fully informed ahead of setting off. Here are three major Ryanair rules travellers need to know, as reported by the Express.
Firstly, people should be aware of Ryanair’s hand luggage size restrictions. A true no-frills airline, Ryanair is not known for a generous hand luggage allowance, with passengers allowed one small under-seat bag as standard.
If you want to take any bigger bags, either in the cabin or in the hold, you’ll have to pay more. Ryanair’s cabin bag measurements are 40 x 20 x 25cm.
Secondly, as stated above, Ryanair passengers will note a boarding pass change from May. The airline will at this point go fully digital with boarding passes, as confirmed by boss Michael O’Leary.
He pointed out that already 60% of flyers opt for mobile passes. Currently, travellers have the choice to print their boarding passes or download a digital version using the Ryanair app.
They can also obtain a boarding pass directly from the airline at the airport. However, a £55 charge applies if passengers fail to check in and download their boarding passes before reaching the airport terminal.
Mr O’Leary said: “Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters. Everything will be managed through the app, making the process fully digital and eliminating paper entirely.
“I’m one of the last remaining people still showing up with my piece of paper It also means, once we get everybody onto the app, nobody will ever again pay for a boarding pass at an airport – the airport check-in fee will be gone. So, I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody.”
Thirdly, and finally, Ryanair passengers must make sure they arrive at the airport with enough time to get through security and reach their gate. The airline advises that you should turn up no later than 40 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure or face a missed departure fee of £100.
If you present yourself with less than 40 minutes to go before your plane is due to take off, expect to fork out the fee as you’ll need to be reassigned to another flight. The fee also applies to those who show up “up to one hour after flight departure time”.
Ryanair’s website notes the fee is “also available to customers who arrive at the ticket desk up to an hour after their flight departure to move to the next available flight. The fee is charged per passenger per sector.”