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Ryanair’s New €100 Late Boarding Fine Sparks Backlash

Ryanair has introduced a €100 fine for passengers who arrive at the boarding gate less than 40 minutes before departure. The airline claims last-minute arrivals cause flight delays and disrupt schedules, making this policy necessary to improve punctuality.

Many travellers see this as another money-making scheme, with some calling it an abusive practice. This rule adds to Ryanair’s existing €55 charge for passengers who fail to check in online at least two hours before departure.

Ryanair’s History of Controversial Fees

This policy follows a €107 million fine in Spain for Ryanair’s so-called “abusive practices.” Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs cited multiple infractions, including fees for carry-on luggage, charges for adjacent seats for dependent passengers, and high costs for printing boarding passes at the airport.

Now, with this latest rule, passengers could face a hefty fine simply for arriving less than 40 minutes before departure. If they miss their flight, the same fee applies to rebook onto the next available one.

What This Means for Travellers

Airport check-in and security procedures take longer during peak seasons, so experts recommend arriving well in advance. Most airlines advise checking in two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul journeys.

Ryanair, however, has taken a stricter approach, making punctuality a costly issue. Alongside the €100 late boarding fine, the airline still charges €55 per passenger for checking in at the airport instead of online.

How to Avoid Ryanair’s Fees

To prevent extra costs, passengers should:

  • Check in online at least two hours before departure.
  • Arrive early, ensuring they pass through security with plenty of time to spare.
  • Review Ryanair’s policies before travelling to avoid hidden fees.

Ryanair has faced backlash before for its hidden costs, and this latest fine adds another controversial charge to the list. If you’re flying with the airline, double-check your booking details and allow extra time at the airport to avoid unexpected fees.