Travellers who have flights from 13 June 2018 and afterwards are being warned that they can check-in only, 48 hours before departure.

The Irish airline, which is the biggest budget carrier in Europe, is making life tougher for travellers who choose not to pay extra for assigned seating.

Until two years ago, passengers could check in online up to a week before departure, which worked well for many people on seven-day holidays.

In 2016 Ryanair reduced the window for check into just four days, saying the move was in response to “extensive customer feedback”.

Since May 2017, the airline has faced repeated criticism for assigning passengers travelling together seats far apart on the aircraft.

The airline responded by saying: “We are very happy to facilitate any customer who wants a free-of-charge random seat, but we are also going to do our best to facilitate customers who are willing to pay for a reserved seat.”

Alternatively, passengers can pay a fee for assigned seating, and check in up to two months ahead of departure.

The change applies to existing reservations as well as new bookings.