Ryanair web check- in

[filthiestfis]

Why isnt online check-in for visitors from outside Europe allowed on the Ryanair website? Only European nationals are allowed to check in.

[mushroom25]

never mind that - if you are in any way impaired, (eg blind) you too cannot check in online. Surely that's illegal, isn't it?

[Buenchico]

Airlines are required to check that passengers are in possession of the correct documentation before allowing them to fly. If they convey someone to a foreign country without the correct visa (if one is required) they face heavy fines.

Staff at the check-in desks will sometimes call upon the assistance of a senior colleague (or an official from the Borders and Immigration Agency) to assist them if they're presented with an unfamiliar passport (e.g. a Peruvian one). The passenger can be taken to one side while the authenticity of their passport and the validity of their visa is checked, usually with a minimal delay.

Passengers who use the online check-in facility bypass the check-in desks. Their passports aren't usually given any significant amount of scrutiny until they reach the boarding gate (which might only be shortly before the plane is due to take off). Staff at the departure gates have basic training in examining EU passports (and EU national identity cards) but they'd have no way of knowing whether a Peruvian passport was genuine or whether it ought to contain a visa for the destination country. If they were presented with such documentation at the last minute, they'd either have to delay the flight, while advice was sought, or refuse to allow the passenger to board.

Consequently, non-EU passport holders are required to use the conventional check-in system, in order that their documentation can be properly scrutinized.

Chris

[filthiestfis]

Thanks for your methodical answer Buenchico. I know I can always rely on you for the highest quality feedback.