Low-cost airline Ryanair has caused outcry after it announced plans to charge passengers £6 to check-in more than four days before a flight.
Holidaymakers will be forced to find internet while abroad or face being punished with the early check-in fee when the changes are brought in from November 1.
The airline claims the new rule will help passengers who pay extra to reserve seats in advance by giving them more time to choose where they want to sit.
Currently customers have seven days to check-in before a flight, meaning those holidaying for a week can check in for both flights in one go.
Those who opt to pay between £8 and £15 to reserve seating in advance have the perk of being able to check in up to a month before the flight.
But from the start of next month, anyone who does not pay extra for reserved seating will have only four days, rather than seven, before the flight to check in.
Many people have accused the Irish airline of trying to exploit passengers further with the sneaky new charge.
Frank Words said on Twitter: “Next they will be telling you to fly the bloody plane yourself.”
Chris Wood said: “@easyjet allow you to check in 30 days in advance. @Ryanair only 7 unless you pay. Guess I’ll have to find a printer while I’m away then.”
Earlier this year the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it was investigating after complaints that many charges were hidden from passengers.
This week Ryanair revealed their profits for this year would take a hit because of the plummeting pound in the wake of the Brexit vote.
Both Ryanair and Easyjet have been cutting fares in a bid to drum up more demand.
Kenny Jacobs, marketing chief for Ryanair, said: “We’re offering those customers who wish to reserve seats more time to choose their preferred seat, by reducing the check-in window from seven to four days pre-departure for those customers who prefer a random seat.
“Customers who do not wish to reserve their seat will be able to check in between four days and two hours ahead of their departure . . . and will continue to be randomly allocated a seat, free of charge.”
A spokesman for Ryanair said customers can check-in online or download a digital boarding pass on the mobile app up to two hours before their flight, free of charge.
