Martin Lewis issues alert to Ryanair passengers over changes to 'golden rule'

By Max Parry, News Reporter

Martin Lewis has issued an urgent alert (Image: PA)

Budget airline Ryanair are making a major change that could see passengers hit with a £55 charge.

Now cash-saving guru Martin Lewis has issued passengers with an urgent warning, explaining how they can avoid being stung with the new fee.

Ryanair is going fully digital, meaning they will be getting rid of their check-in desks. Instead, passengers will need to check-in online.

Boss of MonseySavingExpert.com Mr Lewis said: "The free check-in window is now just 24 hours before travel. With Ryanair, the golden rule is to ALWAYS check in online and print or download your boarding pass – if you don't, you could have to cough up £55 per person, per flight."

Ryanair are getting rid of their check-in desk (Image: Getty)

Adding to his advice, he went on: "Unless you've paid to reserve a seat, you can now only check in for free between two and 24 hours before departure.

"If you pay to reserve a seat (typically between £4.50 and £15.50 per person), you can check in for free up to 60 days before flying."

The total phase-out of check-in desks will be complete by May this year.

Ryanair is going fully digital (Image: Getty)

And the company's boss Michael O'Leary has said that 60% of passengers are already using the mobile check-in system.

"Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters", Mr O’Leary said.

"Everything will be managed through the app, making the process fully digital and eliminating paper entirely."

He went on: "I’m one of the last remaining people still showing up with my piece of paper It also means, once we get everybody onto the app, nobody will ever again pay for a boarding pass at an airport - the airport check-in fee will be gone.

"So, I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody."