Ryanair 60-minute bag drop rule starts tomorrow: what changes and who is affected

Updated 9 Nov 2026, 11:56 · First published 9 Nov 2026

From Tuesday 10 November, Ryanair passengers with a checked bag must drop it off at least 60 minutes before departure, up from 40 minutes. The new cut-off applies at every Ryanair airport, including Stansted, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester.

The airline says about 80% of its passengers – those who check in online and travel with hand luggage only – will not be affected.

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Why is Ryanair changing the bag drop time?

Ryanair says the extra 20 minutes will give passengers more time to get through security and passport control, cutting the number who miss flights because of airport queues. Flight times are not changing, so passengers simply need to arrive earlier.

What happens if I miss the bag drop?

Ryanair has not spelled out what happens to passengers who arrive after the cut-off, so the safest assumption is that you could be refused your bag or miss your flight. Allow extra time, especially over Christmas when airports are busier.

How can I save time at the airport?

Check in online and download your boarding pass on the Ryanair app. Ryanair is also rolling out self-service bag drop kiosks at most of its airports, where you can print your own bag tag.