Ryanair is making a major shift by scrapping paper boarding passes starting in 2025. In its push for full digital transformation, the airline wants to eliminate printed boarding passes and check-in desks, pushing travelers toward a mobile-only future.
If you’re a regular Ryanair flyer or planning a trip soon, here’s everything you need to know about how this change will impact your travel experience.
Why Is Ryanair Going Paperless?
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has made it clear that going paperless is part of the airline’s broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. O’Leary highlighted that currently, around 80% of passengers use mobile boarding passes, and the airline is pushing to transition to 100% by 2025?.
Not only does the shift promise to make check-ins quicker and more efficient, but it also aligns with the airline’s efforts to reduce paper waste and enhance sustainability.
How Will It Work?
Going forward, travelers will be required to check in via the Ryanair app or website and download a mobile boarding pass directly to their phones. No more rushing to find a printer before your flight or standing in line to pick up a pass. As long as your phone is charged and the pass is saved, you’re good to go.
What About Passengers Without Smartphones?
While the majority of travelers already use mobile boarding passes, Ryanair hasn’t forgotten about those without smartphones. Ryanair is still ironing out the details, but passengers without access to mobile devices could potentially face additional fees for printing boarding passes at the airport, similar to their current policy.
Will It Speed Up Airport Check-Ins?
Ryanair believes this change will significantly reduce wait times at check-in desks and boarding gates. By eliminating paper passes, the airline hopes to streamline security checks and boarding, cutting down on the time travelers spend waiting in line. For most passengers, this means a smoother, quicker airport experience—assuming you remember to download your pass ahead of time.
What Do Travelers Need to Know?
The biggest adjustment for travelers will be the reliance on mobile phones. If your phone dies or you lose access to your boarding pass, you might be stuck scrambling to figure things out at the airport. To avoid issues, make sure to download your pass ahead of time and save it to your phone’s wallet or as a PDF for offline access. And don’t forget to bring a portable charger just in case!
What About Hidden Fees?
Ryanair has a well-earned reputation for tacking on fees, and this new system might come with additional charges for those who aren’t prepared. Forget to download your mobile pass? You may have to pay extra to print one at the airport. Ryanair hasn’t confirmed the exact fees yet, but travelers should be aware of the possibility.
Environmental Impact
While going paperless aligns with Ryanair’s sustainability efforts, the airline’s broader environmental strategy focuses on reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives like investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and lowering emissions. With millions of passengers every year, the elimination of paper boarding passes could make a significant difference, making this a positive move for eco-conscious travelers.
Is This the Future of Air Travel?
With more airlines embracing digital check-ins and mobile boarding passes, Ryanair is not alone in moving toward a paperless future. This shift is part of a larger trend toward reducing reliance on printed documents in favor of mobile technology. For travelers, this means fewer papers to keep track of and a more convenient, tech-friendly experience.
What This Means for Your Next Flight
If you’re planning to fly Ryanair in the next couple of years, it’s time to get familiar with mobile boarding passes. Make sure to download the Ryanair app, keep your phone charged, and double-check that you have offline access to your boarding pass before you get to the airport. While this change will likely make things easier for most passengers, it’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected.
Feature Image Credit: Pexels / Markus Winkle.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
