100% web check-in for Ryanair customers from October

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Ryanair released a statement yesterday saying that it plans to revert to 100% we check-in from October 2009.  The initiative will be rolled-out in three phases, culminating in the removal of all check-in desks from 1 October.

The company says the move is designed to cut costs, and pass on savings via reduced air fares next winter.  Online check-in has been available for some time for people from the EU/EEA travelling without check-in luggage, but this change makes it compulsory to use the facility in future.

Phase 1 of the change starts on 19 March, with web check-in being extended to all non-EU/EEA citizens, passengers travelling with checked-in luggage and reduced mobility customers.  The service will be free to those travelling without luggage, with a £5/5€ charge for those taking luggage, and a 10£/10€ levy if you insist upon using a desk.  Checked-in baggage must be handed over at a drop-off desk.

Phase 2 from 1 May means that all new bookings must use the web check-in facility, with check-in desks being gradually phased out during the summer.  The £5/5€ fee will apply to all new bookings except promotional fares, and the fee for using a check-in desk is raised to a hefty £20/20€ as a deterrant.

Phase 3 from 1 October will see the end of the check-in desk altogether, as well as new rules that prevent under-16s from travelling alone, and make the only form of acceptable IDs passports or national ID cards.  

In other Ryanair news, people travelling between Angouleme airport and Stansted have new flight times that get passengers to their destination earlier, making it easier for onward travel.  You can check out the new times by clicking here.

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