Originally Posted by
cockpitvisit
If I don't have a reserved seat, does it make sense to check in online close to the 2h cutoff time, hoping to grab one of the premium seats this way?
Are there any pitfalls here, such as the app "suddenly" refusing to work shortly before the check in deadline, in order to make me check in at a counter (and pay a hefty fee)?
The app is quite reliable, Ryanair has flights leaving at all times of the day and it doesn't selectively fail for different people at different times. Like the other poster said, I'd check in ~3h before to be safe. There are enough kettles that this nearly guarantees a non-middle seat.
Also keep in mind that if you are not a EU citizen you will need to print a paper copy of the boarding pass - and you will need to leave time for this as well.