Ryanair will require passengers to utilize digital boarding passes exclusively starting next week. The airline has announced this update in advance of the implementation on 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 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 for any of the airline’s flights.
While Ryanair noted that the majority of passengers already utilize digital boarding passes, with nearly 80% of its over 207 million annual passengers doing so, approximately 40 million passengers who prefer alternative methods, like printing their passes, will be affected.
Dara Brady, the Chief Marketing Officer of Ryanair, emphasized the benefits of this change, stating, “Moving fully digital means a faster, smarter, and greener experience for passengers, whilst also providing easier access to a range of innovative in-app features, including ‘Order to Seat,’ live flight information, and direct updates during disruption.”
Ryanair emphasized that the transition to 100% digital boarding passes will lead to reduced airport costs, potentially lowering fares for all passengers and saving 300 tons of paper annually. To address concerns of passengers potentially facing difficulties, the airline assured that those who lose their mobile device before boarding can receive a free boarding pass at the airport if they have already checked in online.
In instances where passengers do not possess a smartphone with the Ryanair app, they will still receive a complimentary boarding pass at the airport as long as they have completed online check-in prior to arrival. Additionally, Ryanair confirmed that passengers will have access to the digital boarding pass even without a mobile signal, as long as they have checked in online.