Ryanair to close check-in and bag drop earlier as EES delays start to bite

Ryanair has become the first airline to change its check-in procedures as a result of the increased security times caused by the introduction of the EES (Entry-Exit System) immigration process at European airports in the Schengen zone.

From 10th November, all Ryanair check-in and bag drop desks will close 60 minutes before departure.

This is a sharp increase from the current 40 minutes. Being Ryanair, you can be sure that no slack will be allowed.

The decision to wait until November appears to be linked to an on-going project to roll out more self-serve bag-drop kiosks.

‘Over 95%’ of Ryanair airports will have these kiosks in palce by October. Integrated into the Ryanair app, the kiosks allow passengers to check-in bags and print bag tags.

Ryanair claims that only 20% of passengers actually travel with checked baggage.

There are no changes for the 80% of Ryanair passengers who do not check in baggage, who will continue to use online check-in and can head directly to their departure gate.

This is a network-wide decision by Ryanair and will cover all flights, even those travelling between countries which are both inside (or both outside) the Schengen zone.

PS. Greece has suspended the requirement for UK passport holders to give biometric data (facial scans and fingerprints) on entry, as it attempts to control airport queues. This exemption does not apply to other non-EU passport holder arrivals. It is not clear how long the suspension will last.