Ryanair passengers are reported to have started “fighting” as queues at a popular Spanish airport got “out of control.” British tourists have been sharing their experiences online
Ryanair passengers are reported to have started “fighting” at a popular Spanish airport as queues got “out of control”, marking the second time travellers have been left furious in Spain this month. Various videos have circulated online showing the “snaking” queues to board planes, and many Brits have expressed their bewilderment at the situation.
One video, shared on TikTok by a woman named Kimberley, revealed the “crazy” scenes at Barcelona airport this week, and claimed some people missed their flights as a result of the queue. Showing footage of the queue, she claimed this is what happens when you arrive two hours early.
In the clip, it was suggested Ryanair have a “two-hour rule” in place, which impacts how early people can drop their baggage at airports. If you need to brush up on your knowledge, all airlines have different boarding pass rules that you need to know about before travelling this summer.
Kimberly said: “This is honestly the craziest thing we’ve ever experienced. So, you can only drop your bags off two hours before your flight is due to depart.
“Because of this, this is what generates this massive build up of this huge snake queue. Basically, what ended up happening is we had to skip the queue and go to the last minute queue, because our flight was literally due to take off in 40 minutes, and we still had to go through passport control.
“When I tell you people started fighting each other. It’s not funny, but I can laugh about it now, because we did manage to make our flight. I know what people are going to say ‘why did you book with Ryanair? You know what your’re going to get.’
“Well, we had no choice, because of the timings – it was our only option. Of course, there were people trying to push in and cut the line.”
Warning: Below video may contain offensive language
Kimberley said it was the most “stressful” journey she’s ever experienced, but she wasn’t the only one to raise concerns either. Ashleigh also posted a video of the queues at the airport this month, and claimed “so many people missed their flights.”
Since the videos were shared, many people have commented on the clips. People admitted the airport looked “so busy.”
One person said: “I am flying tomorrow and I am so stressed. How early should I be at the airport?” Another wrote: “I fly back and forth to Barcelona regularly, and it’s always the same at Ryanair baggage drop.”
A third replied: “Never take a suitcase for this very reason.” Meanwhile, a fourth offered a different suggestion, adding: “It’s because ot Ryanair baggage policies.”
Someone else also chimed in with: “Got in and out of Barcelona in minutes last month. It’s not normally like this.”
If you didn’t know, when you travel with Ryanair, the airline allows passengers to add checked bags to their booking up to two hours before the scheduled flight departure time. This applies to the initial booking and any changes made later down the line, according to Ryanair’s terms and conditions.
The Ryanair website states: “The Bag Drop desks open at the latest two hours before the scheduled flight departure time and closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time, unless you are notified otherwise before flight departure. Please check in your baggage as early as possible.
“We recommend all passengers arrive at the check-in or bag drop desk at least two hours before they are due to fly. If you have booked through an Online Travel Agent, have been required to verify your booking, and wish to do so at the airport, please make sure you arrive at the airport two hours before your flight.
“You must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before your flight departure time. Our check-in and bag drop desks open at the latest two hours before your scheduled flight departure and close strictly 40 minutes before your flight departure unless you are notified otherwise before flight departure.
“If you do not check-in by then you may be denied boarding without refund. We recommend you check the departure airport website for security wait times. Each airport has different security times depending on the time of day and travel season.”
Ryanair has been asked for further comment.
