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Ryanair Tightens Airport Deadlines as Germany Advances Law for Fully Digital Check-In

A German draft law to permit chip-based check-in signals political cover for faster airport automation.

Overview

  • Germany moved a draft law to allow fully digital airport check-in on a voluntary basis using ID or passport chips, with changes targeted for the summer.
  • Ryanair will close airport check-in counters and baggage drop 60 minutes before scheduled departure at all its airports starting November 10, 2026.
  • The airline will switch to digital-only boarding passes beginning November 12, 2026 as part of its push to digitize travel documents.
  • Self-service bag-drop kiosks are slated to be in place at more than 95% of Ryanair airports by October 2026, with app links that let passengers print their own bag tags.
  • About 20% of Ryanair customers who check bags will feel the tighter cutoff most, with local reports warning of added strain at busy airports like Palma de Mallorca and challenges for less tech-savvy travelers.