Ryanair has announced it is drastically reducing its check-in window.
The budget airline had previously allowed passengers to check in from four days before their flight.
But that is being slashed to just 48 hours before departure.
The change in policy applies from June 13, before the summer holiday peak period.
Passengers unhappy with the change can pay extra to reserve a seat, which then allows them to check in during a bigger window, as the new rules only apply to customers who don’t want to pay.
Ryanair announced the news in a statement: “Please note that for all flights from June 13 2018 onwards, standard (free) online check-in will be available from 48 hours to two hours pre-departure.
“Customers who choose not to reserve their preferred seat can check-in online or on the mobile app free of charge from 48 hours to two hours pre-departure and will be randomly allocated a seat.
“All Ryanair customers may buy a reserved seat online,” it continued.
“These customers can check in online anytime they so wish between 60 days to two hours before the scheduled departure time of their flight.”
The change applies to existing reservations as well as new bookings.
Until 2016, Ryanair allowed passengers to check in online up to a week before their flight.
A spokesperson for Ryanair defended the change to The Independent. “This is more than double the 24-hour check-in period operated by British Airways, Lufthansa, Norwegian and Iberia.
“This will give reserve seat customers more time to select their preferred seats prior to departure.”
Earlier this year, the budget airline announced changes to their luggage allowances and prices.
All passengers are allowed to take a small personal bag onboard with them that can fit underneath the seat in front.
They are permitted a small suitcase that is less than 10kg, but this is only allowed in the cabin for free if purchasing priority boarding, costing £5.
For passengers who choose not to pay this extra fee, the suitcase will be taken at the airline gate and put in the hold for free.
Customers choosing to put their bags in the hold when checking in are allowed three bags that weigh up to 20kg. This costs £25 online but goes up to £40 if paying at the airport or after booking.
A so-called ‘professional flight hacker’ recently listed his tips for getting a cheap flight.
They include being as flexible as you can with your choice of destination, so you can travel to wherever the flights are reduced.
