Ryanair passengers have reportedly been caught up in a brawl at a bustling Spanish airport as queues spiralled “out of control”, marking the second incident this month that has left travellers in Spain seething. Online videos depict the extensive “snaking” lines for boarding, with numerous Brits voicing their astonishment at the chaotic scenes.
A TikTok video posted by a user named Kimberley showcased the “crazy” situation at Barcelona airport, where she claimed some individuals missed their flights due to the lengthy queue. The footage she shared suggested that arriving two hours early was not sufficient.
The video spoke of Ryanair’s alleged “two-hour rule” for baggage drop-off, which can lead to significant congestion at airports. It’s crucial for holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the varying boarding pass regulations of airlines ahead of their summer travels.
Kimberly commented: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Kimberley described her ordeal as the most “stressful” journey she’s ever had, noting that she wasn’t alone in her distress. Ashleigh also took to social media to share footage of the chaotic queues at the airport this month, lamenting that “so many people missed their flights.”
Following the sharing of these videos, a flurry of comments emerged from viewers. Many acknowledged the airport’s apparent overcrowding.
One concerned traveller asked: “I am flying tomorrow and I am so stressed. How early should I be at the airport?” Another frequent flyer shared their experience, adding: “I fly back and forth to Barcelona regularly, and it’s always the same at Ryanair baggage drop.”
A third individual advised: “Never take a suitcase for this very reason.” A fourth commenter speculated on the cause, writing: “It’s because ot Ryanair baggage policies.”
Yet another person contributed a contrasting perspective, adding: “Got in and out of Barcelona in minutes last month. It’s not normally like this.”
For those unaware, Ryanair permits travellers to add checked luggage to their reservation up to two hours prior to the scheduled departure time. This policy covers both original bookings and subsequent modifications, as outlined in Ryanair’s terms and conditions.
The Ryanair website explains: “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 approached for additional comment.