Yes, online check-in is effectively mandatory with Ryanair to avoid steep penalties. In 2026, if you fail to check in via the Ryanair app or website at least two hours before your flight, you will be charged an airport check-in fee of roughly €/£55 per person. Additionally, as of late 2025, Ryanair has transitioned to a "Digital First" policy; while you can still use a printed A4 boarding pass on some routes, the app is the primary method for boarding. For non-EU/EEA citizens, the app is also where you must complete mandatory Visa/Passport Verification before heading to the security gate. Checking in online ensures you can choose your seat (for a fee) or be randomly assigned one for free during the 24-hour window before departure, helping you bypass the long ticket counter lines and move straight to security with your digital boarding pass.