Ryanair will require passengers to utilize digital boarding passes exclusively starting next week. The airline has notified customers in advance of the significant change set for Wednesday, November 12. After this date, passengers will no longer have the option to download and print physical paper boarding passes.
Instead, travelers must use the digital boarding pass generated within the “myRyanair” app on their mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, during the check-in process to board any Ryanair flight.
Ryanair emphasized that the majority of passengers already use digital boarding passes, with nearly 80% of its over 207 million annual passengers doing so. However, approximately 40 million passengers who prefer alternative methods, like printing passes, will be impacted.
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, stated, “While over 80% of passengers already use digital boarding passes and won’t be affected by this change, we advise the small number who still print passes to download the myRyanair app before the complete transition to digital boarding passes on Wednesday, November 12.”
The move to fully digital boarding passes aims to offer a quicker, more efficient, and environmentally friendly experience for passengers, along with easier access to innovative in-app features like ‘Order to Seat’, real-time flight information, and direct updates during disruptions. Ryanair anticipates providing an enhanced travel experience for all customers through its top-notch myRyanair app.
Ryanair highlighted that the shift would lead to reduced airport costs, lower fares for all passengers, and save 300 tonnes of paper annually.
To address concerns from customers, Ryanair assured that passengers who lose their mobile device can obtain a free boarding pass at the airport if they have already checked in online. The same applies if their device runs out of battery before airport security or boarding, as Ryanair will provide assistance.
Regarding passengers without a smartphone with the Ryanair app, the airline mentioned, “If passengers do not possess a smartphone or tablet but have completed online check-in before reaching the airport, they will receive a complimentary boarding pass at the airport.”
Ryanair also confirmed that as long as passengers have checked in online, the digital boarding pass will be accessible regardless of mobile signal availability.