Ryanair is changing its check-in rules due to a new EU screening system

Ryanair will require passengers to check in and drop off their luggage at the airport at least one hour before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes. 

According to The Guardian, the new rules will take effect in November 2026. The decision is driven by the need to account for time spent going through security and to prevent passengers from being late due to long lines.

The carrier cites the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which the European Union launched in October, as the main cause of delays. This system applies to third-country nationals, including Ukrainians, and requires biometric registration each time they cross the Schengen zone border. At some airports, such as Milan, the new procedures have already led to instances where hundreds of people missed their flights.

To minimize inconvenience, Ryanair plans to equip 95% of its airports with self-service baggage drop-off kiosks by October 2026. The company’s marketing director, Dara Brady, noted that automation will help relieve pressure on check-in counters and speed up customer service during peak periods. Meanwhile, Greece has already announced that it may temporarily simplify checks for British tourists in the summer of 2026 to avoid a collapse at airports.

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