Ryanair will require passengers to utilize digital boarding passes exclusively starting next week. The airline has issued an update to inform customers about the upcoming change effective from Wednesday, November 12. As of that date, passengers will no longer have the option to obtain and print a physical paper boarding pass.
Instead, passengers must utilize the digital boarding pass generated within the “myRyanair” app on their mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, during the check-in process to board any Ryanair flight. Ryanair has emphasized that the majority of passengers, approximately 80% of its over 207 million yearly travelers, already use digital boarding passes. However, this change will impact around 40 million passengers who prefer alternative methods, including printing their boarding passes.
Dara Brady, the Chief Marketing Officer of Ryanair, highlighted that while most passengers already use digital boarding passes, those who still opt for printed passes should download the myRyanair app before the complete transition to 100% digital boarding passes on November 12. This shift aims to offer a quicker, more efficient, and environmentally friendly experience for passengers, along with access to innovative in-app features like ‘Order to Seat’, real-time flight updates, and direct notifications during disruptions.
Ryanair stated that this move will lead to reduced airport costs, resulting in lower fares for all passengers and saving approximately 300 tonnes of paper annually. The airline has reassured customers concerned about potential issues, such as losing their device or running out of battery. In such cases, passengers who have checked-in online can receive a free boarding pass at the airport. Additionally, passengers without smartphones or tablets can obtain a complimentary boarding pass at the airport if they have already completed online check-in.
Ryanair also confirmed that as long as passengers have checked-in online, the digital boarding pass will be accessible regardless of mobile signal availability.