Ryanair Shifts to 100% Digital Boarding Passes Next Week

Ryanair is set to implement a complete transition to digital boarding passes starting on November 12, 2023. This change will affect all passengers who fly with the budget airline, as paper boarding passes will no longer be issued. Instead, passengers will receive their boarding passes through the Ryanair app when they check in online.

To facilitate this transition, Ryanair will continue to send email reminders for online check-in 48 and 24 hours prior to departure. Passengers arriving at the airport without having checked in online will face an airport check-in fee. Ryanair emphasizes that from November 12, it will be impossible to download or print a physical boarding pass.

The airline aims to enhance customer service and reduce operational costs with this move, which is expected to eliminate up to 300 tonnes of paper usage annually. Passengers must check in online via Ryanair.com or the Ryanair app before arriving at the airport. Following check-in, the digital boarding pass will automatically appear in the app, which passengers must present at airport security and the boarding gate.

For those who may not have access to a mobile device, Ryanair has implemented measures to ensure a smooth airport experience. If a passenger loses their device or it runs out of battery, they will be able to obtain a free boarding pass at the airport, provided they have checked in online prior to arrival. Additionally, Ryanair maintains check-in desks at all airports for those who prefer in-person assistance.

Currently, nearly 80% of Ryanair’s passengers already utilize digital boarding passes. The airline’s shift aligns with trends in other sectors such as music festivals and sports events, aiming to enhance real-time communication with passengers. Customers can expect live notifications regarding boarding, gate changes, and any potential delays, thanks to updates from Ryanair’s Operations Centre.

While most airports accept digital boarding passes, certain locations, including airports in Morocco, Turkey (excluding Dalaman), and Tirana in Albania, do not. Passengers traveling to or from these locations should print their boarding passes from their email confirmation or the app prior to arriving at the airport.

Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, stated, “To ensure a seamless transition to 100% digital boarding passes for our customers, we will make the switch from Wednesday, November 12, which is traditionally a slightly quieter time for travel following the busy mid-term break period.”

In a recent interview, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary noted that between 85% and 90% of passengers carry smartphones, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to adopting smartphone technology to enhance the travel experience. He expressed confidence that the transition to digital boarding passes will create a faster, smarter, and more environmentally friendly travel process for passengers.

As Ryanair moves towards a fully digital boarding experience, travelers are encouraged to prepare ahead of time to ensure a smooth journey.