British holidaymakers flying this summer need to check each airline's boarding pass policy as rules vary significantly between carriers. Ryanair has moved to 100% digital boarding passes, while Jet2 and TUI offer both digital and paper options. easyJet accepts mobile passes at most airports but bans them at several destinations in Turkey, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Ryanair: Digital-Only Boarding Passes
Ryanair has confirmed it has "moved to 100% Digital Boarding Passes (DBP)". Passengers must download the Ryanair app and check in online to receive their boarding pass via the app. Reminder notifications are sent 48 and 24 hours before departure. Travellers who fail to check in online face an airport check-in fee of €/£55 for most flights, or €/£30 for flights departing from Spain.
If a passenger loses their phone or the battery runs flat after checking in, Ryanair will print a replacement boarding pass free of charge. However, travellers departing from certain airports in Morocco are still required to have a printed boarding pass. Ryanair states: "Passengers flying from Morocco must check in online as normal and then present their DBP at the airport to collect a printed boarding pass, with the exception of those flying from Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, Tangier, Nador or Oujda, where you can now use your digital boarding pass on the Ryanair app."
Jet2: Paperless Option with App
Jet2 provides a paperless option via its app, allowing passengers to access boarding passes and other documents in one place. The airline advises that "you can save boarding passes for up to eight passengers on one device." It adds: "When using multiple boarding passes per device, please make sure your group stays together at the bag drop, security, gate and when boarding the plane."
For those preferring a printed boarding pass, Jet2 explains: "Log in to Manage My Booking, then select 'Get boarding pass'. From here, you can either get a PDF boarding pass sent to you or save it to your device. No need to print – just show the pass on your screen when you get to the airport."
TUI Airways: Choice of Digital or Paper
TUI states: "If you're flying with TUI Airways (flight numbers starting with TOM or BY), you have a choice. TUI Airways accepts both digital and paper boarding passes." Passengers who opt for a printed boarding pass must use A4 paper, ensure the copy is legible with no tears or damage, and that the barcode is clearly visible for scanning at the airport.
It is important to note that not all TUI package holidays involve TUI Airways flights. If the flight is operated by another airline such as Ryanair or easyJet, passengers must verify the regulations for that specific carrier.
easyJet: Mobile Passes Banned at Some Airports
easyJet's website lists airports that do not accept mobile boarding passes, including Antalya and Izmir. Most of these are located in Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia. Travellers to these airports should check in online and print a boarding pass. For most easyJet flights, the airline recommends downloading its app to keep trip details in one place and to access mobile boarding passes offline via Apple or Google Wallet.
Paper boarding passes remain acceptable. easyJet states: "The best way to store your boarding passes is to use the free easyJet mobile App or you can choose to print them out. You cannot use a PDF scan of your boarding pass on your mobile device as the airport security team will be unable to scan them." If a boarding pass is lost, passengers can simply print them again, ensuring the entire pass is clearly printed.
