RYANAIR FLIGHT MANAGEMENT

PROFESSIONAL CABIN CREW OPERATIONS

RESTRICTED MEMO

To: All Pilots and Cabin Crew

From: Chief Pilot

Re: Security Checks – Amendment 18/03/2025

Date: 21/05/2025

The purpose of this Restricted Memo is to:

  • Describe the No.4's role once security check/search has been completed.
  • Expand the list of unapproved third countries.
  • Clarify the security requirements for domestic flights in Morocco.
  • Provide editorial changes where there has been no change in meaning.

The revised text takes immediate effect.

Security Check / Search Procedure 737-800

The Aircraft Security Check may commence at any time after passenger disembarkation from the area to be checked. It is Ryanair policy to carry out certain key elements of security checks prior to landing which will create sterile areas which MUST be maintained as sterile areas.

The sterility of these areas will be maintained by the cabin crew members positioning themselves so as to keep the areas under constant observation during the passenger disembarkation process. Each passenger will be bid goodbye to ensure they are aware that they are being observed.

The design of Ryanair Aircraft cabins is such as to ensure that the security checks can be carried out to the required Ryanair standard with maximum efficiency [e.g. mirrors in the hatbins - minimum one mirror per hatbin, removal of seat pockets, and location of life jackets in the Passenger Service Unit (PSU)].

The following must be carried out on all flights and turnarounds:

Immediately prior to giving the Captain "cabin secure" and when all passengers are seated and secure for landing:

The Number 1 will:

  • Check the forward toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins). On completion of the check the No.1 will lock the toilet.
  • Check the forward galley including cupboards, storage compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

From this point until the completion of disembarkation all forward toilets and galleys will be maintained under observation by the No.1 cabin crew at the front of the aircraft, to ensure that no unauthorised person gains access and to prevent the introduction of a prohibited article.

The Number 2 will:

  • Check the L2 toilet - the toilet closest to the L2 door - (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins). On completion of the check the No.2 will lock the L2 toilet.
  • Check the left-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to L2 door) including cupboards, storage compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

The Number 3 will:

  • Check the R2 toilet - the toilet closest to the R2 door - (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins). On completion of the check the No.3 will lock the R2 toilet.
  • Check the right-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to R2 door) including cupboards, storage compartments and crew storage areas.

From this point until the completion of disembarkation, rear toilets and galleys and will be maintained under observation by the cabin crew at the aft of the aircraft, to ensure that no unauthorised person gains access and to prevent the introduction of a prohibited article.

After disembarkation:

After all passengers have disembarked, safety straps will be attached across the forward (L1) and rear (L2) doors. (The purpose of the safety strap across the aircraft doors is more akin to a "Police line - do not cross" than a physical barrier. Parties who pass through this tape without making themselves known are automatically under suspicion and any areas potentially accessed by them must be rechecked.

Cabin Crew may commence the security check of his/her assigned cabin area (i.e. rows 1-10, 11-20, 21-33) once all passengers have cleared this area. If a passenger passes through the cabin area which has been already checked, the whole area becomes unsterile and must be checked again.

The Number 1 will:

  1. Visually check all hatbins from row 1 to 10 (using the mirror(s)) to ensure that no article is contained within.
  2. Commence the security check from Row 10 to Row 1 inclusive (i.e. aft to forward). The check will include:
    • areas between the seats and between the seats and walls.
    (A visual check shall be completed. The configuration of Ryanair aircraft seats means that prohibited articles located between the seats would be visible and therefore a physical check is not necessary. In the unlikely event that a crew member cannot carry out an adequate visual check, or where there is evidence of a prohibited article located between the seats, a physical check of the specific seats concerned shall be completed.)
    • areas under seats.
    • seat pockets (if fitted).
    • lifejacket pouches in rows 1ABC and 2DEF.
    • lifejacket stowages in addition to above:
    (Where the lifejackets are contained in the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) the No.1 will check that none of the units have been tampered with (visual check) – viewing windows must be yellow, white or blue and the red tag must not be visible. Where the lifejackets are contained under the seats the No.1 will select and inspect 7 lifejacket pouches.)
    • side pocket in row 1ABC (if fitted)
    • tray tables in rows 1ABC, 2DEF
    (Where the areas are empty, a visual check shall be completed.)
    • side pocket in row 2DEF (if fitted).
  3. Check Galley Stowages G2 and G2 Aisle Side.
  4. Open and check forward jumpseat, check equipment stowages under and above jumpseat.

  5. A security search shall be conducted for flights from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Security search shall be conducted ahead of and following domestic flights in Morocco or whenever requested by the Commander, following the aircraft reaching its final parking position and immediately after disembarkation from the area to be searched:

    • Open and re-check the L1 toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins).
    • Check the fwd galley including jumpseat area, cupboards, equipment compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

The Number 3 will:

  1. Proceed to Row 11. En-route he/she shall visually check all hatbins (using the mirror(s)) to ensure that no article is contained therein.
  2. Check equipment stowage in hatbin 14 DEF (if fitted).
  3. Commence the security check from row 11 to row 20 inclusive (i.e. forward to aft). The check will include:
    • areas between the seats and between the seats and walls.
    (A visual check shall be completed. The configuration of Ryanair aircraft seats means that prohibited articles located between the seats would be visible and therefore a physical check is not necessary. In the unlikely event that a crew member cannot carry out an adequate visual check, or where there is evidence of a prohibited article located between the seats, a physical check of the specific seats concerned shall be completed.)
    • areas under seats.
    • seat pockets (if fitted).
    • lifejacket stowages:
    (Where the lifejackets are contained in the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) the No.3 will check that none of the units have been tampered with (visual check) – viewing windows must be yellow, white or blue and the red tag must not be visible. Where the lifejackets are contained under the seats the No.3 will select and inspect 7 lifejacket pouches.)
    • tray tables located in arm rests at Rows 16 ABC, 16 DEF, 17 ABC and 17 DEF.
    (Where the areas are empty, a visual check shall be completed.)

  4. A security search shall be conducted for flights from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Security search shall be conducted ahead of and following domestic flights in Morocco or whenever requested by the Commander, following the aircraft reaching its final parking position and immediately after disembarkation from the area to be searched:

    • Open and re-check the R2 toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins).

The Number 2 will:

  1. Check equipment stowages in hatbins 33ABC and 33DEF (if fitted)
  2. Proceed to Row 21. En-route he/she shall visually check all hatbins (using the mirror(s)) to ensure that no article is contained therein.
  3. Commence the security check from row 21 to row 33 inclusive (i.e. forward to aft). The check will include:
    • areas between the seats and between the seats and walls.
    (A visual check shall be completed. The configuration of Ryanair aircraft seats means that prohibited articles located between the seats would be visible and therefore a physical check is not necessary. In the unlikely event that a crew member cannot carry out an adequate visual check, or where there is evidence of a prohibited article located between the seats, a physical check of the specific seats concerned shall be completed.)
    • areas under seats.
    • seat pockets (– if fitted).
    • lifejacket stowages:
    (Where the lifejackets are contained in the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) the No.2 will check that none of the units have been tampered with (visual check) – viewing windows must be yellow, white, or blue and the red tag must not be visible. Where the lifejackets are contained under the seats the No.2 will select and inspect 7 lifejacket pouches.)
  4. Open and check rear jumpseats, check equipment stowages under and above jumpseats.

  5. A security search shall be conducted for flights from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Security search shall be conducted ahead of and following domestic flights in Morocco or whenever requested by the Commander, following the aircraft reaching its final parking position and immediately after disembarkation from the area to be searched:

    • Open and re-check the L2 toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins).
    • Check the left-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to L2 door) including cupboards, equipment compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

Should a passenger use a toilet on the ground or pass through a galley that was not attended by a cabin crew member, this area (toilet and/or galley) becomes unsterile and must be checked again.

On completion of the security checks the remaining litter will be collected by cabin crew as follows:

  • Number 1 – rows 10 to 1.
  • Number 3 – rows 11 to 20.
  • Number 2 – rows 21 to 33.
  • Number 4 (if not marshalling) – as requested by the Number 1

Note: this activity is for the removal of final litter and is additional to the security check already carried out.

Security Check / Search Procedure 737-8200

The Aircraft Security Check may commence at any time after passenger disembarkation from the area to be checked. It is Ryanair policy to carry out certain key elements of security checks prior to landing which will create sterile areas which MUST be maintained as sterile areas.

The sterility of these areas will be maintained by the cabin crew members positioning themselves so as to keep the areas under constant observation during the passenger disembarkation process. Each passenger will be bid goodbye to ensure they are aware that they are being observed.

The design of Ryanair aircraft cabins is such as to ensure that the security checks can be carried out to the required Ryanair standard with maximum efficiency [e.g. mirrors in the hat bins - minimum one mirror per hatbin, removal of seat pockets, and location of life jackets in the Passenger Service Unit (PSU)].

The following must be carried out on all flights and turnarounds:

Immediately prior to giving the Captain "cabin secure" and when all passengers are seated and secure for landing:

The Number 1 will:

  • Check the forward toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins). On completion of the check the No.1 will lock the toilet.
  • Check the forward galley including cupboards, storage compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

From this point until the completion of disembarkation all forward toilets and galleys will be maintained under observation by the No.1 cabin crew at the front of the aircraft to ensure that no unauthorised person gains access and to prevent the introduction of a prohibited article.

The Number 2 will:

  • Check the L2 toilet - the toilet closest to the L2 door - (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins). On completion of the check the No.2 will lock the L2 toilet.
  • Check the left-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to L2 door) including cupboards, storage compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

The Number 3 will:

  • Check the R2 toilet - the toilet closest to the R2 door - (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins). On completion of the check the No. 3 will lock the R2 toilet.
  • Check the right-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to R2 door) including cupboards, storage compartments and crew storage areas.

From this point until the completion of disembarkation, rear toilets and galleys and will be maintained under observation by the cabin crew at the aft of the aircraft to ensure that no unauthorised person gains access and to prevent the introduction of a prohibited article.

After disembarkation:

After all passengers have disembarked, safety straps will be attached across the forward (L1) and rear (L2) doors. (The purpose of the safety strap across the aircraft doors is more akin to a "Police line - do not cross" than a physical barrier. Parties who pass through this tape without making themselves known are automatically under suspicion and any areas potentially accessed by them must be rechecked).

Cabin Crew may commence the security check of his/her assigned cabin area (i.e. rows 1-11, 12-23, 24-35) once all passengers have cleared this area. If a passenger passes through the cabin area which has been already checked, the whole area becomes unsterile and must be checked again.

The Number 1 will:

  1. Visually check all hatbins from row 1 to 11 (using the mirror(s)) to ensure that no article is contained within.
  2. Commence the security check from Row 11 to Row 1 inclusive (i.e. aft to forward). The check will include:
    • areas between the seats and between the seats and walls.
    (A visual check shall be completed. The configuration of Ryanair aircraft seats means that prohibited articles located between the seats would be visible and therefore a physical check is not necessary. In the unlikely event that a crew member cannot carry out an adequate visual check, or where there is evidence of a prohibited article located between the seats, a physical check of the specific seats concerned shall be completed.)
    • areas under seats.
    • seals on lifejacket boxes underneath seats in rows 1BC and 2DEF.
    • lifejacket stowages in addition to above:
    (No.1 will check that none of the Passenger Service Units (PSU) have been tampered with (visual check) – viewing windows must be yellow, white or blue and the yellow/black decal must not be visible.)
    • side pocket in rows 1BC, (if fitted)
    • tray tables in rows 1BC, 2A and 2DEF.
    (Where the areas are empty, a visual check shall be completed.)
    • side pocket in row 2DEF (if fitted).
  3. Check Galley Stowages G2 and G2 Aisle Side.
  4. Open and check forward jumpseat, check equipment stowages under and above jumpseat.

  5. A security search shall be conducted for flights from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Security search shall be conducted ahead of and following domestic flights in Morocco or whenever requested by the Commander, following the aircraft reaching its final parking position and immediately after disembarkation from the area to be searched:

    • Open and re-check the L1 toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins).
    • Check the fwd galley including jumpseat area, cupboards, equipment compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

The Number 3 will:

  1. Proceed to Row 12. En-route he/she shall visually check all hatbins (using the mirror(s)) to ensure that no article is contained therein.
  2. Commence the security check from row 12 to row 23 inclusive (i.e. forward to aft). The check will include:
    • areas between the seats and between the seats and walls.
    (A visual check shall be completed. The configuration of Ryanair aircraft seats means that prohibited articles located between the seats would be visible and therefore a physical check is not necessary. In the unlikely event that a crew member cannot carry out an adequate visual check, or where there is evidence of a prohibited article located between the seats, a physical check of the specific seats concerned shall be completed.)
    • areas under seats.
    • lifejacket stowages:
    (No.3 will check that none of the Passenger Service Units (PSU) have been tampered with (visual check) – viewing windows must be yellow, white, or blue and the yellow/black decal must not be visible.)
    • tray tables located in arm rests at Rows 17 and 18.
    (Where the areas are empty, a visual check shall be completed.)
  3. Open and check R-MED jumpseat, check equipment stowages under the jumpseat.

  4. A security search shall be conducted for flights from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Security search shall be conducted ahead of and following domestic flights in Morocco or whenever requested by the Commander, following the aircraft reaching its final parking position and immediately after disembarkation from the area to be searched:

    • Open and re-check the R2 toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins).
    • Check the right-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to R2 door) including cupboards, equipment compartments and crew storage areas.

The Number 2 will:

  1. Proceed to Row 24. En-route he/she shall visually check all hatbins (using the mirror(s)) to ensure that no article is contained therein.
  2. Commence the security check from row 24 to row 35 inclusive (i.e. forward to aft). The check will include:
    • areas between the seats and between the seats and walls.
    (A visual check shall be completed. The configuration of Ryanair aircraft seats means that prohibited articles located between the seats would be visible and therefore a physical check is not necessary. In the unlikely event that a crew member cannot carry out an adequate visual check, or where there is evidence of a prohibited article located between the seats, a physical check of the specific seats concerned shall be completed.)
    • areas under seats.
    • lifejacket stowages:
    (Number 2 will check that none of the Passenger Service Units (PSU) have been tampered with (visual check) – viewing windows must be yellow, white, or blue and the yellow/black decal must not be visible.)
    • tray tables located in arm rests at Rows 28, 29A and 29F.
  3. Check Galley Stowages G3 and G6.
  4. Open and check rear jumpseats, check equipment stowages under and above jumpseats.

  5. A security search shall be conducted for flights from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Jordan, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Security search shall be conducted ahead of and following domestic flights in Morocco or whenever requested by the Commander, following the aircraft reaching its final parking position and immediately after disembarkation from the area to be searched:

    • Open and re-check the L2 toilet (including all compartments, stowages and rubbish bins).
    • Check the left-hand side of the aft galley (mid-aisle to L2 door) including cupboards, equipment compartments, ovens and crew storage areas.

Should a passenger use a toilet on the ground or pass through a galley that was not attended by a cabin crew member, this area (toilet and/or galley) becomes unsterile and must be checked again.

On completion of the security checks the remaining litter will be collected by cabin crew as follows:

  • Number 1 – rows 11 to 1.
  • Number 3 – rows 12 to 23.
  • Number 2 – rows 24 to 35.
  • Number 4 (if not marshalling) – as requested by the Number 1

Note: this activity is for the removal of final litter and is additional to the security check already carried out.

General Requirements

During this whole procedure the crew must keep the doors under surveillance sufficient to ensure that no unauthorised personnel gain access to the aircraft. The positioning of the cabin crew will facilitate this.

When passengers arrive at the aircraft, the safety straps are removed and passengers are allowed to board if, and only if, the security check/search of all cabin/toilet/ galley areas has been completed.

Ground handling agents conduct a check of the aircraft hold. 3rd Party Providers are required to train personnel in accordance with Ryanair Requirements.

All personnel attempting to gain access to the aircraft must be challenged in accordance with Ryanair procedures.

Captain Senan O'Shea

Chief Pilot & NPFO

Confidential