Is Ryanair check-in not free?

Yes. You can check in for your flight at the airport, but you will have to pay an airport check-in fee per passenger to cover the extra cost of the airport check-in service. Please see our Table of Fees.



In 2026, Ryanair's check-in policy is "free" only if you do it online or via their app within a specific window. For those who do not purchase a reserved seat, free online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before. If you have purchased a seat, you can check in for free up to 60 days in advance. However, if you arrive at the airport without having checked in online, Ryanair charges a hefty Airport Check-in Fee, which is currently £/€55 per passenger (though it is slightly lower, around €30, for flights departing from Spain). Furthermore, as of late 2025, Ryanair has started phasing out "printed" boarding passes in favor of 100% digital passes. If you checked in but simply forgot to download your pass, they may charge you a "Boarding Card Reissue Fee" of approximately £/€20. Essentially, the only way to avoid these fees is to use the Ryanair app and complete the process yourself before you even leave for the airport.

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If you do not check in online up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, you may check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before departure, but you will be charged an airport check-in fee. See our Table of Fees.

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A few low-cost airlines charge extra for checking in at the airport. Most airlines let you print your boarding pass at a machine.

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During the check-in process, hotels may place a hold on your credit card to cover any incidental charges you may incur during your stay. These charges can include room service, minibar purchases, or damages to the room.

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This service is provided free of charge. Once verified we will email you (no later than 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure time) with instructions advising you on how to check-in online in accordance with safety and security requirements.

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If you have reserved a seat, you can check-in online for your flight between 30 days and 4 hours before your scheduled flight. If you have not reserved a seat you cannot check in until 48 hours before travel.

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If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.

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Ryanair Hand Luggage Allowance: One personal item, 40 x 25 x 20 cm, free of charge. 'Priority & 2 Cabin Bags' or 'Plus' customers may also bring on board a larger item measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing 10 kg or under.

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What if I do not have access to a printer to print my boarding pass? You can access your boarding pass on the Ryanair App once you have checked in. You do not need to print your boarding pass once you have access to the Ryanair App unless you are departing from a Moroccan airport.

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You can access your boarding pass via 'My Bookings' on the Ryanair.com website or the Ryanair App.

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Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

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Yes. You can increase your baggage allowance on 20kg bags when you check in for your flight online.

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