How to Check-in for a Ryanair Flight

Ryanair offers multiple methods to complete the check-in. Passengers can request the Ryanair check-in through its website or mobile app. The airline also offers check-in at the airport, but charges an additional fee. The airline strongly recommends online or mobile check-in; missing these deadlines has led to an expensive flight ticket.c

This guide covers everything you need to know about check-in with Ryanair, including boarding pass rules, country-specific exceptions, required documents, and essential tips to avoid extra charges. 

What Are Ryanair’s Check-In Timings?

Ryanair offers two check-in windows, depending on whether you have reserved a seat for your flight or not.

With a reserved seat, the Ryanair check-in window opens 60 days before departure. This applied to both inbound and outbound flights.

Without a reserved seat, the check-in window opens 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Other important deadlines include:

• Check-in deadline at the airport is 40 minutes before departure.
• Bag drop closing time is 20 minutes before departure.
• Boarding gate closing time is 20 minutes before departure.

How to Check In for Your Ryanair Flight?

Ryanair offers several check-in methods, each of which comes with its own rules, convenience, and additional fees.

1. Mobile App Check In

The Ryanair app is available on iOS and Android and is the convenient, fastest, and cheapest way to complete check-in. All you need to do is:

• Download the Ryanair app
• Log in with the booking reference and his last name.
• Choose the flights to complete the check-in.
• Select seats, or add baggage, if not reserved before. 
• Review the details and confirm the check-in.
• The boarding pass will be generated in a digital form. Save the eboarding pass on the smartphone device. 

Please note that the mobile app check-in is not acceptable at the selected airport. More details are shared in the section below.

2. Online Website Check-In

For those without the app, Ryanair check-in comes in handy at the airline’s official website. Follow these steps:

• Visit ryanair.com and navigate to check-in on the homepage.
• Enter the booking reference and the last name of the passengers.
• Provide you with travel documents details.
• Confirm the add-ons, such as baggage purchase, seat selection, and meal request.
• Download and print your boarding pass. There is an option where passengers can send a copy of their boarding pass to their registered email.

3. Airport Check-In

Ryanair allows airport check-in, but it comes at an additional fee of €55 per passenger. If you’re checking in at the airport, you need to complete the process up to 40 minutes before departure. 

This option is ideal for passengers:

• Those who do not have Ryanair check-in access online.
• Seeking special assistance
• Minors travelling alone
• Passengers who are flagged for additional security or document checks. 

Airport That Doesn’t Accept Ryanair Digital Boarding Pass

While Ryanair accepts mobile boarding passes at most airports, exceptions may apply. 

• Morocco
• Turkey (Only Dalaman Airport in Turkey accepts eboarding pass).
• Tirana (Albania)

What Documents Are Required for Ryanair Check-In?

Passengers must have these valid travel documents before completing the check-in. 

• Passport: Mostly required for international travel
• National Identity Card: It is accepted on select European Union routes.

Ryanair does not accept the following documents:

• Driver’s licenses,
• Birth certificates,
• Student IDs.

Ryanair Boarding Pass Rules and Fees

After you complete the Ryanair check-in, you can access the boarding pass via:

• The Ryanair app
• Print a copy of your boarding pass

If you forgot to carry the boarding pass at the airport:

• Retrieve via the app at no cost
• Retrieve via the Manage Booking section on Ryanair’s official website
• Pay a boarding pass reissue fee at the airport, which costs €20–€25 per passenger

What Happens If You Don’t Check In Online with Ryanair?

If you don’t check in online within the 2-hour online check-in deadline:

• You can visit the airport and complete check-in up to 40 minutes before departure
• Pay the airport check-in fee of €55 per passenger

Ryanair suggests completing the check-in online, starting from 60 days before departure up to 2 hours before departure, to minimize the cost of your travel. 

Conclusion

Ryanair’s check-in process is easy and convenient. If you plan, you can save a lot on travel costs and minimize the transition time during departure. While the mobile app remains the easiest way to complete check-in, the website is also a decent alternative to save money. Passengers flying from Morocco, Turkey, or Tirana must always print their boarding pass to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Those passengers who skip online check-in may risk paying a higher check-in fee at the airport. By following the above guidelines, you’ll save money, avoid fees, and enjoy a stress-free flight with Ryanair.

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