Some Ryanair passengers say their free, randomly allocated seat number is appearing only around three hours before departure. Goosed reported the change, which separates completing check-in from finding out where a traveler will sit.
The airline’s published seat rules confirm that free random seats are assigned after check-in, between 72 hours and two hours before departure. They do not specify a universal three-hour release time, so passengers should not assume that reported timing applies to every flight.
The free online check-in window now opens 72 hours before departure, rather than 24 hours. Buying a reserved seat allows check-in up to 60 days ahead. Under random allocation, children aged two to 11 must sit beside an accompanying adult on the same reservation without an extra seating charge.
A separate airport change takes effect on November 10, 2026: check-in desks and bag drop will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, replacing the 40-minute cutoff. The online check-in deadline remains two hours before the flight.
Our check-in guide explains how these timings fit together. Travelers accepting a free random seat should complete online check-in within the permitted window, follow the information in their booking and allow enough airport time, even if their seat number has not appeared immediately.
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