Ryanair passengers travelling with checked baggage should be careful about their arrival time at the airport. From 10 November 2026, the airline will implement a new rule that reduces the time for dropping off bags by 20 minutes.
Under the new regulation, check-in and baggage drop-off counters will close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of the aircraft, instead of the 40 minutes that currently apply.
The change will come into effect at all airports where Ryanair operates and also affects passengers traveling from Albania to European destinations. 
For example, if the flight is scheduled for 12:00, the passenger must have completed baggage drop-off before 11:00. Arriving at the counter after this deadline may result in the baggage not being accepted.
According to the company's conditions of carriage, passengers who do not complete check-in at the airport on time may be denied boarding without a ticket refund.
Ryanair argues that the change is intended to give passengers more time to pass security and passport checks, especially during peak periods.
The rule affects about 20% of passengers who check in their luggage at the airport. While 80% of passengers who fly with only hand luggage are not affected by the change and can continue to check in online, according to the usual procedure.
The decision was initially announced in April, but the company recalled its implementation a few days before it went into effect.
For passengers, the message is clear: from November 10, 20 minutes of delay could cost a flight.
Source: Ryanair official announcement, October 27, 2026; The Independent, November 2, 2026.
