In the wake of Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary’s announcement of a major change hitting UK airports this summer, we’ve confirmed the check-in open and close times for the most popular airlines
Ryanair will make a significant change to its check-in process this year. Beginning in May 2025, the budget airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary announced it will phase out physical boarding passes and check-in desks, meaning travellers will need to check-in and download their boarding passes on their mobile devices ahead of arrival.
The airline attributes the update to the fact that 60% of travellers already use mobile passes. Mr O’Leary said: “Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters.” He went on to confirm: “Everything will be managed through the app, making the process fully digital and eliminating paper entirely.” Despite claiming to still use physical boarding passes himself, O’Leary explained that the end of physical check-in desks will also mean an end to airport check-in fees.
In light of the recent shake-up, it’s important to keep in mind the differing check-in guidelines for each airline.
easyJet
easyJet passengers can check-in online or on the airline’s mobile app. Online check in will open 30 days before your flights departure date and close two hours before departure time. You can download or print your boarding pass, but be prepared to show ID at the gate.
Keep in mind that you cannot use a PDF scan of your boarding pass at airport security as these will not scan. Instead download the free easyJet mobile app or simply print your pass. At the time of check in, you can also make changes to your booking including adding luggage or selecting your seat. If you make booking changes after checking in, you will need to check in again and reprint your boarding pass. Bag drop typically opens 3 hours before scheduled departure and closes 40-60 minutes before departure. All flight gates close 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
TUI
Passengers flying with TUI should keep in mind that online check-in times will differ depending on their flight class. Passengers that have upgraded to Premium, Extra Legroom seats or Extra Space seats or chosen the Select Your Seat option will be able to check-in 14 days before their departure date. Online check-in for all other passenger groups will open 48 hours before departure date.
Keep in mind, all passengers will need to check in separately for their outbound and inbound flights. Online check-in closes six hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you aren’t able to check in online, TUI ensures you will be able to check in at the airport and they will issue you a physical boarding pass at either a TUI Holiday Store or from the TUI bag drop desk. Online check-in is available for all TUI flights. But if you are flying with another airline, you will need to check in on that specific airline’s website.
Jet2
Depending on the airport you are flying from, Jet2 check-in desks will open 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight time. Alternatively, you will be able to check in online up to six hours before your flight time. All Jet2 check-in desks will close strictly 40 minutes prior to departure, so ensure you arrive well ahead of boarding. You can present either a physical boarding pass (printed at-home or at the airport kiosk) or a downloaded version of your boarding pass on a mobile device.
British Airways
Online and in-app check in for British Airways flights will open 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Passengers checking in via the airline website or app will have the option to print their boarding pass or download it to any smart device including mobile phones, iPads or Apple Watches.
British Airways also has check-in kiosks where passengers will be able to print their boarding pass up to 3 hours prior to departure.
British Airways check-in deadlines differ depending on the airport and length of flight, see below for a full list of check-in deadlines:
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London Heathrow: 60 minutes before long haul flights depart & 45 minutes before short haul flights depart
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London Gatwick: 60 minutes before long haul flights depart & 60 minutes before short haul flights depart
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London City: 30 minutes before all flights depart
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Other UK airports: 45 minutes before all flights depart
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Short haul European airports – 45 minutes before all flights depart, except at: Amsterdam, Amman, Antalya, Barcelona, Berlin (Brandenburg), Brussels, Cairo, Dalaman, Florence, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, Istanbul – SAW (Sabih Gokcen Airport), Lisbon, Madrid, Milan (Linate & Malpensa), Naples, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Paris and Rome – 1 hour
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Long haul international airports: At least 60 minutes before your flight departs. Some destinations, including Ghana, close 90 minutes before departure – check Manage My Booking for more information