The start of budget carrier Ryanair's online check in has had a chaotic start at Dublin Airport with security staff refusing to operate the new system.

Despite Ryanair throwing the blame around for the fiasco, it says little for the airline that it found out about the problem from the Irish Times. Travellers with boarding cards printed off from the internet found that they were being turned around at the security gate and told to check in normally for their flights. It rapidly became clear that security staff had not agreed to operate the new system and have now entered negotiations with the airport authorities to try to resolve their concerns.

It was not immediately clear what planning and arrangements the airline had made to ensure that the introduction of the new web check in would be problem free. Certainly it seemed surprising that their own staff were not aware of the problem at Dublin Airport, where the airline is headquartered.

Head of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary was not in a mood for accepting responsibility when he learnt of the news. On the company's website he blamed the An Taosieach, Bertie Ahern, the airport authority and the trade unions. Labelling the airport as "bedevilled" with "Spanish practices" he may momentarily be forgetting that his airline flies to 14 airports in Spain, including 5 from Dublin.

Until the problems are resolved, we recommend passengers check in as usual allowing plenty of time before departure. Once initial teething problems have been resolved, passengers should be aware that online check in will not be suitable for everyone, and using this service incorrectly may result in £13.50 being charged at the airport for a standard boarding pass.