New 60-minute luggage rule takes effect for Ryanair passengers today

Ryanair passengers warned over new checked baggage rule

Travellers will now need to hand over their suitcases no later than an hour before departure. 

The previous cut-off was 40 minutes, meaning passengers have lost 20 minutes to complete the process.

The airline first announced the change in April, saying it wanted to reduce the number of people who miss flights after getting caught in long queues at airport security or passport control. 

Around 20% of its customers travel with checked-in bags, and the earlier deadline is meant to give them more time to reach their departure gates before boarding begins.

Most passengers can continue checking in as normal

Ryanair's chief marketing officer, Dara Brady, said: “From Tuesday, 10 November, bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.

“This small change will give the 20 per cent of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag, more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and get to their departure gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy travel periods when airport queues can be longer.”

Passengers who only travel with cabin luggage will not be affected. The other 80% of Ryanair customers can still check in online and head directly to airport security without visiting the bag drop desk.