Starting November 10, Ryanair will require passengers with checked luggage to complete bag drop at least 60 minutes before their scheduled departure. This change, which increases the previous 40-minute deadline, is intended to provide travelers with more time to navigate increasing congestion at airport security and passport control.
The 20-minute extension to combat EES border delays
Ryanair is extending its bag drop deadline from 40 minutes to 60 minutes to address the operational challenges posed by the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES, which has been active across 29 countries since April,tracks non-EU nationals and has been a primary driver of significant border delays. As reported by the source, this automated system has led to lengthy passport control lines that frequently disrupt flight schedules.
The move comes after a summer of significant travel disruptions throughout the Schengen Area. As the EES continues to process high volumes of travelers, the resulting queues have become a major bottleneck for low-cost carriers. By adding this 20-minute buffer, Ryanair aims to ensure that passengers with checked bags can clear security checkpoints without the risk of missing their flights during peak travel periods.
Why 80% of Ryanair travelers face no change
Only 20 percent of Ryanair's total passenger base utilizes the bag drop service, meaning the vast majority of travelers will see no disruption to their current routines. According to the report, the remaining 80 percent of passengers who travel with carry-on luggage are unaffected by the new 60-minute requirement. these travelers can continue to check in online prior to arrival and proceed directly through security to their gates.
Michael O'Leary's refusal to wait for passengers in passport queues
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has maintained a firm stance on flight punctuality, stating that the airline will not delay departures to accommodate passengers stuck in EES queues. This strict policy was underscored by a May incident where a flight traveling from Toulouse to London departed without 150 passengers who were delayed in border control. o'Leary described the situation as "regrettable but necessary for operational efficiency," emphasizing that the priority remains with those already at the boarding gate.
Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady echoed the need for passenger preparedness, noting that the 60-minute rule is designed to assist the minority of travelers who require baggage handling. Brady urged all customers to arrive at the airport well in advance to ensure they can utilize the bag drop facilities before the new cutoff times take effect on November 10.
Will the 60-minute buffer solve EES bottlenecks?
It remains uncertain whether a 60-minute windoow will be sufficient to mitigate the systemic delays caused by the EES. While Ryanair is implementing this change to protect its schedule integrity, the source does not clarify if the airline will offer any recourse for passengers who arrive at the bag drop on time but are subsequently trapped by passport control queues. This leaves a significant gap in passenger protection, as the report notes that those facing such delays currently have no legal rights or protections under existing regulations.
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