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Ryanair passengers will no longer be permitted to board flights using printed boarding passes, the airline has announced, as it shifts entirely to a digital system.
The Irish-based budget carrier, one of Europe’s largest, said the move to 100% digital boarding passes will take effect from Wednesday. The change, it added, is aimed at improving efficiency, speeding up airport procedures, and reducing costs.
All travellers will now be required to check in online before arriving at the airport, with boarding passes accessible through the airline’s mobile app or website. Ryanair said around 90% of its 206 million passengers already use digital passes, making the transition a “natural next step”.
Those who fail to check in online prior to travel will be charged an airport check-in fee of up to £55, the airline confirmed. However, in a slight easing of policy, customers who have already checked in online but are unable to access their digital pass — for instance, due to phone issues — will be able to obtain one for free at the airport. Previously, this service incurred a £20 fee.
Ryanair described the switch as a move to “enhance customer convenience” while aligning with its efforts to reduce paper waste.
“The change will make our operations faster, simpler and more environmentally friendly,” a company spokesperson said. “It’s another step towards improving the overall travel experience while keeping fares as low as possible.”
The airline added that fully digital boarding will allow staff to process passengers more quickly and help shorten queues at check-in counters and boarding gates.
With most of Ryanair’s passengers already accustomed to online check-in and mobile boarding, the company expects minimal disruption once the new rule comes into force.
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