Online check-in 'could reduce airline fares'

People jetting off on stag weekends abroad with budget airline Ryanair could benefit from a reduction in prices over the coming months, an expert has claimed.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the firm plans to remove all check-in desks and airport staff by 2010, with all processes apart from the bag drop conducted online.

James Fremantle, industry affairs manager from the Air Transport Users' Council, said the move will help reduce costs for the airline, which could translate to cheaper fares for passengers.

"If it is easy for consumers to check-in [online] it should mean the airline costs are down which should mean cheaper fares in the long run," he commented.

Mr Fremantle said that as long as the airline carries out careful planning to ensure the new scheme is a success, it will be "a good thing for consumers".

The news is likely to be welcomed by those planning a stag weekend abroad this year, despite a report by the BBC which claimed that many are now staying closer to home and sampling the nightlife of cities such as Newcastle and Bristol.