Beach Holidays

Ryanair passengers checking in luggage will have less time to reach the airport desk under a new deadline

Anyone travelling with Ryanair who leave their airport journey until the last minute could risk missing their flight when a new rule takes effect. From Tuesday, November 10, airport check-in and bag-drop desks will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.

The change means travellers checking in a suitcase will need to get their bags accepted earlier than they may be used to, even if they have already checked in online. For a flight scheduled to leave at 10am, the deadline will move from 9.20am to 9am. Ryanair carried 206.5 million passengers in the 2025 calendar year.

Travel expert Arber Abdullahu, from TripSIM, has urged holidaymakers to check their airport arrangements before setting off, particularly if they have booked a transfer. He warned that having a boarding pass on a phone does not mean a checked bag has been accepted or that passengers can arrive at the desk whenever they like.

“Checking in online can make you feel that everything is sorted. But if you’re taking a suitcase that needs to go in the hold, you still have a separate deadline to meet at the airport,” he said.

Getting to the airport and reaching the correct desk are not necessarily the same thing, as travellers may need to park, take a shuttle, find their terminal and queue. Anyone relying on a transfer that arrives shortly before the cut-off should review the timings rather than treating the deadline as their target arrival time.

The change could also catch people out on their return journey if they are away when the new rule begins. Someone flying out before November 10 but returning on or after that date should check the deadline for both legs and make sure their hotel pick-up leaves enough time to reach the airport.

“Don’t assume the routine that worked on your outbound flight will work for your return. Check your hotel pick-up time and tell the transfer provider which flight you are taking,” Mr Abdullahu said.

Ryanair says the earlier cut-off is intended to give passengers more time to get through airport security and passport-control queues before reaching their departure gate. The airline says around 20 per cent of its passengers check in a bag, while those who check in online and travel without checked luggage will be unaffected by the bag-drop change.

Passengers should remember that online check-in has a separate deadline and remains open until two hours before departure. Anyone using airport check-in or bag drop should check the latest instructions for their flight and allow enough time to complete each stage of the journey.

The UK is getting colder, but elsewhere in Europe the October sun is still shining and a warm weather holiday is not out of the question.

The UK may be getting chillier, but across Europe the sun is still blazing and a beach getaway remains firmly on the cards. If you’re not quite ready to bid farewell to sun and sand, there’s one destination just four and a half hours from the UK where temperatures are still hitting a pleasant 23C.

Better still, it won’t cost you a fortune. That destination is Cyprus, the Mediterranean island paradise. According to research by airport transfer firm hoppa, this gem ranks as the ultimate choice for an autumn escape in the sunshine.

The warmest location is Nissi Beach, nestled on the south-eastern coastline in the resort town of Ayia Napa.

While it’s renowned as a lively party hotspot, there’s far more to discover beyond the buzzing nightlife.

The beach is celebrated for its dazzling turquoise waters and its small offshore island, which visitors can reach by simply wading through the shallow sea.

That island is Nissi itself, the namesake of the beach, and those who venture to its summit are rewarded with spectacular sweeping views across the entire bay.

The beach proudly holds Blue Flag status, with ample sun loungers and parasols available to rent, alongside opportunities to hire jet skis or pedalos for those seeking a dose of adventure.

One holidaymaker took to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts, writing: “Probably one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus-and for good reason.

“Crystal-clear water, beautiful soft sand, and that creamy, turquoise texture that makes you feel like you’re in paradise. Add the amazing atmosphere and beautiful people, and you have the perfect beach experience.”

A second visitor added: “Nissi Beach easily has the most amazing water I have ever swum in!

“Despite being extremely busy, its natural beauty makes it an absolute must-visit.”

While the beach can get extremely crowded during peak summer, visiting during the shoulder season means far fewer tourists to contend with, allowing you to soak up the stunning surroundings in relative peace.

What’s more, according to hoppa, the average nightly rate for a three-star hotel in Ayia Napa comes in at just £79, making it a brilliantly affordable choice for a late burst of October sunshine.