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For Ryanair short-haul flights within Europe, aim to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure — 2.5 to 3 hours during peak holiday periods. Online check-in must be completed in advance via the Ryanair app or myRyanair account (from 24 hours before, or 60 days if you have a paid seat). Bag drop closes 40 minutes before departure and the boarding gate typically closes 20-30 minutes before take-off.

Only a small personal bag (fitting under the seat in front, max 40x20x25cm) is included in the standard Ryanair fare. Taking a 10kg cabin bag in the overhead locker requires Priority & 2 Cabin Bags or a fare bundle that includes it — this is significantly cheaper if added at booking rather than at the airport. Checked baggage (10kg or 20kg) is a separate paid add-on.

Standard fares are non-refundable. Bookings can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund only if the flight is 7+ days away (the 24-hour cooling-off policy). Date, time and name changes are allowed on most fares for a change fee plus any fare difference via Manage My Booking. Flexi Plus includes free date and name changes. Flights cancelled by Ryanair are refunded or re-routed under EU261 passenger rights.

If Ryanair cancels or significantly delays your flight, you are entitled under EU261 passenger rights to re-routing or a full refund, plus compensation in certain circumstances (distance, delay length and cause). Claims are submitted through the Ryanair website's dedicated form. Ryanair typically offers a free re-route on the next available flight before issuing a refund.