Known for transforming the low -cost air travel sector in Europe, Ryanair has been reinforcing its operation in Portuguese territory, with a special focus at Faro Airport, where it maintains a strategic position in the Algarve. Founded in 1984, the Irish company began by operating short connections between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Today, although it is widely used, it remains criticized due to its rules and surcharge, seen by many as excessive.
New penalty can bring unexpected costs
The company began to apply a fine of 117 euros per passenger who arrive at the airport less than 40 minutes before the flight departure. The information is advanced by the British newspaper Daily Star.
By then, the check-in counter will have already closed and the boarding process may be underway. Even if the passenger tries to change the reservation to the next flight, the penalty will be applied. The rate covers situations where the traveler presents up to an hour after the expected take -off time.
Continuity of the known rules
This measure is part of the same logic as others already practiced by the airline, such as charging for not checking online within the set time. According to the regulation, those who do not check in digital up to two hours before departure can still do it in person, up to 40 minutes before, for payment.
These additional values are part of Ryanair’s strategy to encourage customers to fulfill the procedures in advance, avoiding delays in the service counters.
Organization is the keyword
These changes reinforce the need for early planning, warns the same source mentioned above. The company advises passengers to check in with time and arrive at the airport with enough margin to avoid additional costs. The goal, according to the same source, is to ensure the punctuality of flights, but travelers must be aware of the specific conditions of their reserve so as not to be surprised.
Penalties can generate negative reactions
Over the years, Ryanair has faced criticism of many due to the way it applies penalties. A well -publicized case was that of a passenger who had to pay 55 euros because of a suitcase wheel that slightly exceeded the permitted measures. Thus, it is essential to carefully read all the rules and strictly comply with the defined deadlines.
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When to arrive at the airport?
Despite the existence of clear guidelines, the question remains: What is the ideal time to reach the airport? Many passengers prefer to play for insurance and arrive two or more hours in advance, while others risk lower times. With the new penalty in force, planning gains even more relevance, suggests the same source. Arriving early can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure calmer boarding, especially in terminals with a large influx of passengers.
To minimize setbacks, passengers must remain up to date on current rules and meet all steps in advance. Avoiding surprises depends, above all, to be well informed. Anticipation and rigorous preparation remain the best allies for those traveling with low cost carriers, where compliance with rules is essential.
Change of habits may be necessary
This new penalty is a warning for those who often postpone preparations until the last moment. The company’s advice, quoted by the same source, of course: check times, check online and reach the airport at the recommended advance.
Fulfilling procedures can avoid unnecessary spending and ensure that the cost of travel remains stable from start to finish.
Record numbers for the carrier
According to a statement quoted by, Ryanair transported 15 million passengers in March 2025, a 10% growth compared to the same month of 2024. The company performed close to 84,000 flights, with an occupancy rate of 93% in this period and 94% in the year.
Ryanair also pointed out, on March 26, the 200 million passenger mark transported in a single year, with a special event at Madrid-Brazil airport. The company foresees profits of 1.6 billion euros for the fiscal year closed, below 1.9 billion from the previous period.
Company proposes new rules for alcohol
Ryanair has suggested the introduction of more restrictive measures to the consumption of alcohol at European airports. The company argues that this initiative would help reduce cases of inappropriate behavior caused by drunk passengers on board. Among the proposals is the limit of two alcoholic beverages per passenger, with control done through the boarding card. The recommendation was released in a statement by the carrier in January.
Also know that in 2018, a Ryanair flight had to make an emergency landing after several passengers were involved in a altercation, allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The case rekindled the debate on beverage consumption at airports. Still out of curiosity, Stansted Airport in London is one of Ryanair’s main points of operation and was responsible for over 40% of his daily flights during the summer of 2023.
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