Travellers flying with Ryanair will need to be aware of new regulations set to take effect from May 2025. The airline has announced a significant change to boarding passes, reinforcing the importance of following their stringent travel rules to avoid extra charges at the airport.
Failing to comply with Ryanair’s policies could lead to unexpected costs, so it’s crucial for passengers to stay informed. Here are three key rules every traveller should know:
- Hand Luggage Restrictions
Ryanair operates under a strict hand luggage policy, allowing passengers only one small under-seat bag as standard. The permitted dimensions for this bag are 40 x 20 x 25cm. Any additional baggage, whether for cabin or hold storage, requires an extra fee. - Boarding Pass Goes Fully Digital
From May 2025, Ryanair will transition entirely to digital boarding passes. According to CEO Michael O’Leary, around 60% of passengers already opt for mobile passes. Currently, passengers can print their passes or use the Ryanair app to download a digital version. However, failure to check in and obtain a boarding pass before reaching the airport will incur a £55 fee. O’Leary stated, “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.” He further emphasized that this shift would streamline the boarding process, ultimately removing the check-in fee. - Arrival Time at the Airport
Ryanair has strict guidelines on arrival times. Passengers must arrive at the airport no later than 40 minutes before their flight’s departure. Failure to do so will result in a missed departure fee of £100. The airline also enforces this fee for those arriving up to one hour after their flight’s departure, allowing them to transfer to the next available flight. Ryanair’s website states, “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.”
As these changes approach, Ryanair passengers are urged to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid unnecessary charges.