Ryanair is a budget airline, which means they hate paper. You must check in online via their app or website. No, you can’t just show up at the airport and expect a friendly human to print your boarding pass. That human will charge you a fat fee, and they won’t even smile while doing it.
Download the app. It’s free, it’s easy, and it saves you from those “I forgot my boarding pass” airport meltdowns. Plus, the app has a countdown timer to your flight—because who doesn’t love a little anxiety-inducing clock?
Baggage Drama: The Fine Print
Here’s where things get spicy. If you’re only taking a small personal bag (the free one that fits under the seat), you’re golden. Check in online, get your boarding pass, and waltz through security like a genius.
Ryanair check-in warning for Brits who risk paying extra £55 per person
But if you’ve booked a 10kg carry-on bag (the one you paid extra for), your boarding pass will say “Gate 1” or something special. That means you still check in online, but you must go to the bag drop desk at the airport to get your luggage tagged. No, you can’t skip this. Ryanair wants to see your bag and judge its size.
For checked luggage (20kg and up), the same rule applies. Check in online, then head to the bag drop. Think of it as a mandatory handshake with a Ryanair employee who’s seen it all.
