Ryanair has announced it is to remove its airport check-in desks and plans to go 100% web check-in from October 2009.

The airline will phase in online check-in in three stages:

1. From 19 March 2009, Ryanair’s web check-in service will be extended to (a) non EU/EEA citizens, (b) passengers travelling with checked baggage and (c) reduced mobility customers.Customers without hold luggage can check-in free of charge; those with checked in baggage will be charged a web check-in fee of £5/€5 per person/per flight; customers checking-in at the airport will pay a fee of £10/€10 per person/per flight at the time of booking.
2. From 1 May 2009, all new bookings will be required to use web check-in and the use of airport check-in desks will be phased out over the summer months. A web check-in fee of £5/€5 per person, per flight will apply to all new bookings (except promotional fares) from 1st May 2009. Passengers still requiring airport check-in will see the fee doubled to £20/€20 per person/per flight payable at the time of booking.
3. From 1 October 2009, Ryanair airport check-in desks will no longer be available. All passengers will be required to use web check-in – checked in bags will be deposited at the “bag drop” desks.

Ryanair’s online check-in is available from 15 days to 4 hours prior to the scheduled flight time.