Ryanair, the popular low-cost airline, has just confirmed that it will be phasing out paper boarding passes starting in May 2025. While this may sound like a step forward for digital efficiency, it’s also a significant shift that could impact thousands of passengers. With this move, the airline aims to further streamline its check-in process, but it also brings some challenges, especially for passengers who prefer or rely on traditional paper passes.
Here’s what you need to know about Ryanair’s major change and how it might affect your next trip:
The End of Paper Boarding Passes: What Does This Mean?
Currently, Ryanair passengers can opt for either a paper or a digital boarding pass. You can check in online and have your boarding pass sent to your phone, or print it out if you prefer the physical version. If you forget to download your boarding pass or check in ahead of time, you could face a hefty £55 charge. While this policy still gives you a choice between paper and digital options, things are about to change.
Starting in May 2025, Ryanair will eliminate the option to print out boarding passes at all, meaning passengers will need to have a digital boarding pass on their phone. The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, explained that this shift is part of Ryanair’s broader digital transformation efforts. With mobile passes already being used by 60% of travelers, the move aligns with the company’s goal of reducing paper waste and speeding up the check-in process.
The airline’s vision is to phase out not just the printed passes but also the check-in desks at airports, mirroring the move to eliminate physical luggage counters in favor of digital solutions. This means no more queues at check-in, as everything will be handled via the Ryanair app.
What Happens if You Forget to Download Your Boarding Pass?
For now, Ryanair passengers still have the option of downloading a mobile pass or printing one at home. However, under the new system, you won’t be able to print your boarding pass at the airport anymore, which could catch some travelers off guard. Currently, if you forget to check in and download your boarding pass, you’re hit with a £55 fee. The new rules aim to eliminate these surprise charges, as passengers will have no choice but to use their mobile device.
While this move will certainly make things easier for tech-savvy travelers, it might frustrate those who are not as comfortable with smartphones or those traveling without reliable internet access.
What About Travelers Going to Certain Countries?
Despite Ryanair’s push towards digitalisation, there are still a few countries that will require passengers to present printed boarding passes, particularly Morocco, Turkey (except Dalaman airport), and Albania (specifically Tirana airport). If you’re flying from any of these locations, you’ll still need to print your boarding pass before arriving at the airport, as digital passes won’t be accepted.
Ryanair has already issued warnings for passengers flying from these destinations, advising them to check in online and ensure they have a printed boarding pass before heading to the airport. This could be a bit confusing for passengers who are used to traveling with a digital boarding pass, especially if they forget to print one ahead of time.
Why Ryanair is Going Fully Digital
The shift to fully digital boarding passes is part of Ryanair’s ongoing push towards efficiency and sustainability. With a significant portion of passengers already embracing mobile passes, the airline sees this as the next logical step to improve the customer experience while reducing paper waste.
According to O’Leary, the goal is for “a smoother, easier journey” for everyone. By going fully digital, Ryanair hopes to minimize delays, reduce unnecessary paperwork, and create a more streamlined process for both passengers and airport staff.
This change also eliminates the need for expensive airport check-in fees for paper passes. If you’ve ever been caught out with a forgotten boarding pass, you know how frustrating those additional charges can be.
What Other Airlines Are Doing
Ryanair is not the only airline making moves towards digitalization. Many other carriers, such as easyJet and British Airways, also encourage passengers to download their boarding passes via mobile apps. However, the flexibility in their policies still allows both paper and digital options, giving passengers more freedom in how they manage their travel documents. EasyJet, for instance, allows for digital passes but still advises that some airports may not accept them, while British Airways even accommodates Apple Watch users for those looking to access their boarding pass on a smartwatch.
How Ryanair and other airlines change support environment and sustainability in Travel
Ryanair’s move to phase out paper boarding passes by May 2025 is a significant step toward supporting sustainability in travel. By eliminating physical boarding passes, the airline will reduce paper waste and decrease its environmental footprint. This shift aligns with growing global efforts to make air travel more eco-friendly, as paper production and disposal contribute to deforestation and waste. Digital boarding passes, accessed through smartphones, also eliminate the need for printing, helping to cut down on ink, paper, and energy consumption. Overall, this change not only streamlines the passenger experience but also supports a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.
Make Your Airport Experience Smoother with airssist Concierge Services
If you’re worried about managing all your travel details on your own, especially with this upcoming change to Ryanair’s boarding pass policy, there’s a way to make things easier. Consider using airssist’s airport concierge services to bypass the stress of handling boarding passes and other airport formalities.
With airssist, you can access VIP fast-track services, where a personal assistant will meet you at the airport, assist with security, and help you navigate check-in processes with ease. Whether you’re flying with Ryanair or another airline, using a meet-and-greet service means you won’t have to worry about carrying extra paper documents. Plus, airssist ensures that your journey through the airport is as smooth and efficient as possible, saving you time and hassle.
Ryanair Paperless Process at the Airport
Ryanair’s move to go paperless by May 2025 is a bold step towards a more digital and sustainable future, but it also comes with some challenges for passengers who aren’t comfortable with smartphones or those traveling from airports that don’t accept digital passes. To avoid any surprises, make sure you’re familiar with Ryanair’s new rules and check the specific requirements for your departure airport.
For a stress-free journey, consider booking an airssist concierge service, so you can
focus on enjoying your flight while airssist takes care of the rest. With this in mind, you’ll never have to worry about the paperless revolution—just sit back, relax, and let technology work for you!