What is the 40-minute Rule for Ryanair?

Ryanair has introduced a "40-minute rule" that says all passengers must be at the check-in counter 40 minutes before the flight takes off. The airline charges $100 as a penalty to people who arrive late at the airport according to the 40-minute rule. The carrier advises customers to do the online check-in beforehand and to come to the airport early, especially during busy times, so that they do not pay fines or feel stressed. This policy has become stricter as Ryanair aims to be punctual and run with fewer delays.

What are the New Rules for Ryanair?

The new policy of Ryanair says that passengers will be able to get digital boarding passes through the website or at the airport. The new regulation will be in effect from the 12th of November, 2025.

The latest rules from Ryanair that will take effect on November 12, 2025, have made it mandatory for the bulk of the users to have digital boarding passes which need to be generated from the myRyanair application. There will be no more home printing or receiving passes at check-in desks. If during such cases a passenger's phone is lost or runs out of battery, a free paper boarding pass will be reissued at the gate (flights to/from Morocco, Turkey, and Albania still require paper passes).??

Ryanair New Rules: Points to Consider

• Digital boarding passes will be the only ones accepted, either through the Ryanair app or website; the only other option, airport-printed boarding passes, will end for standard cases starting November 12, 2025.?
• If a phone is lost or runs out of power, staff will be able to give a free paper boarding pass at the gate, but only if the passenger has done online check-in.?
• Due to local laws, passengers on certain routes (Morocco, Turkey, Albania) still need to have paper boarding passes. 
• According to the new Ryanair check-in policy, the company is going to speed up the process, make it easier, and be more environmentally friendly as the use of the airport will be less and more than 300 tons of paper will be saved annually. 

Updates on Ryanair Cabin Baggage Allowance

• Ryanair's new baggage policy with effect from August 2025 has made it a little easier to carry a personal item since the free baggage limit of non-priority passengers under the seat has been increased to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. 
• Besides, passengers who opt for the "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" will keep on being permitted a 10 kg hand luggage in addition to a small personal item.

Ryanair Check-In Policy: Important Guidelines

• All travelers must conduct online check-in through the Ryanair app or website. ? 
• Starting November 2025, digital boarding passes (obtained via the app) will be a requirement for the majority of flights. 
• Airport counters will no longer provide the printing service for boarding passes and the home-printed passes will be phased out as well. 
• The free online check-in starts 24 hours prior to the flight; for a paid seat selection, it can be done up to 60 days before. 
• In the cabin, a single small bag (maximum dimensions 40×20×25 cm) may be carried free of charge. 
• It is advisable to be at the airport at least 40 minutes before your flight?if you are late you will be charged a missed departure fee which starts from ?100. 
• With Priority Boarding, a second, larger cabin bag can be brought for an additional fee. 
• Some routes still require the use of paper boarding passes (for instance: Morocco, Turkey, Albania). 
• The check-in desks are slowly but surely being removed from the airports' landscapes?most procedures are handled electronically.

How to Check in when Flying with Ryanair?

Website:

• Go to the Ryanair homepage.  
• Select the 'Check-in' part.  
• Type in the reference number of your booking and your surname.  
• Choose seats that are to your liking (if any).  
• Include added services (like luggage) if you want.  
• Look at what you have selected.  
• Make sure and finish check-in.  
• Either download or print your boarding pass.

Self-Service Kiosk (Airport):

• Ryanair kiosks are to be found at the airport.
• The self-service kiosk is the one you are looking for.
• Initiate the process by tapping on the screen.
• Type in your booking reference number.
• From the list, choose your flight.
• Check your information and give confirmation.
• In case you are carrying extra luggage, kindly add it.
• Get your boarding pass printed out.
• Go through the security check.

Airport: 

• Head to the Ryanair customer support desk.  
• Get in line and wait for your turn to talk to the customer support.  
• Provide the ticket reference number and surname to the personnel.  
• Verify your flight details.  
• Ask to include extra luggage.  
• Get your boarding pass.  
• Move to the security screening area.

What are the International and Domestic Check-in Times for Ryanair?

The check-in timing is exact for both international and domestic flyers. One can check the table?s information for better guidance:

What is the Ryanair New Baggage Policy?

The Ryanair New Baggage Policy provides more flexibility in carrying bags for the trip. You can check it below:

• Ryanair Flight Cancellation: Guide
• 4 Ways To Get Ryanair Special Assistance 2025

Conclusion

Ryanair's latest baggage policies and other measures are directed at making the travel experience more efficient and less costly for the environment at the same time. By going for digital boarding passes and new baggage allowances, the airline is pushing the travelers to be well-informed and ready which will ultimately result in a hassle-free trip in the future.