Question ... with all of the liquid stuff now, I think I'll have to check bags rather than carry on to Ryan Air. I realize they now charge, and that I have to book in advance. Do I have to book at the time I book my ticket, or can I do so after the fact? Does it make a difference financially when I book my bag?

Thanks!

Check the Ryanair web site, but my impression is that you will be charged more if you book your baggage on the date of departure.

I think you are right about this, and I planned to book before. I just wasn't sure if it made a difference if I booked the big at the same time as my ticket or later, but before departure date.

Yes, you have to pay to check your bag. I think it's 3.50 euros/bag when you book your ticket, and it's 10 euros/bag if you book at the airport.
We are in the same predicament--thought we would be able to carry everything on, now realize we can't. From the website, I think you're able to book ahead of time, after you book your ticket, but before you get to the airport. You have to do it with their customer service desk.

Hmm, thanks. This would require an expensive phone call. Guess I'll book with my ticket from now on. Yuck!

< I think you're able to book ahead of time, after you book your ticket, but before you get to the airport. You have to do it with their customer service desk. >

You don't get the discounted rate plus you'l run up a massive phone bill. If you haven't booked luggage then do it at the airport but allow LOTS of extra time as the process is totally cack-handed and resembles the sort of thing that happened in Communist Russia

Getting a bit fed up with Ryanair.
As well as charging 3.50 per bag per flight, they now have a credit card charge of I believe 3.50 (Euros, sorry) per person per leg.
Despite the fact that you book only once and use your credit card only once.
4 of us are travelling Brussels - Salzburg, and we booked flights costing only 1 Eurocent (yes) perperson per leg. However....with taxes, bag charges and credit card charges, the total amount for 4 came to 214 Euros.
I'm not disputing that that is still a cheap price for a flight....but do feel that Ryanair should be more honest with advertising the many hidden taxes and charges that are in there.