Public Backlash Over Ryanair's Digital-Only Policy
New research has revealed a significant consumer backlash against airlines implementing additional charges for passengers who do not use digital boarding passes. According to a study by financial services comparison site Go.Compare, nearly six in ten people (58%) would be less likely to book with a carrier that imposes such fees.
This finding comes as Ryanair enforces its controversial new digital boarding pass-only rule across all operations. From November 12 onwards, passengers on the budget airline will no longer be able to use a printed boarding pass and must instead download a digital version through the Ryanair app during check-in.
Who is Most Affected by the Change?
The policy has raised particular concerns about its impact on older travellers and those without smartphones. The research, which surveyed 2,000 people, found that 42% of those aged 65 and over stated they would be 'much less likely' to book with an airline charging extra for not having a digital boarding pass.
Dr Carole Easton, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasised the scale of the issue: 'Nobody should feel excluded from flying, or put at risk of missing their flight, just because they don't own a smartphone.' Her organisation points out that 4.5 million people in the UK have never been online, while only three-quarters of 65-year-olds own a smartphone.
Interestingly, the resistance isn't limited to older generations. The study found that 66% of those aged 18 to 24 would also be less likely to book with an airline implementing such charges, compared to an average of 57% for those aged 55 and over.
The £55 Fee and Industry Response
Ryanair will now charge an additional £55 airport check-in fee for passengers who don't check in online ahead of their flight and possess a digital boarding pass. However, the airline has clarified that passengers who have checked in online but cannot access their boarding pass will be provided with one free of charge at their departure airport.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, commented: 'When looking at updating ticketing, companies must not forget the 4 million people who have never used the internet. There should always be an alternative way of booking and showing tickets that does not disadvantage those who aren't online.'
Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare Travel Insurance, noted the timing of these changes: 'With the cost of living still high and households watching their spending carefully, it's no surprise that travellers are weighing up all the costs.' He urged travellers to research all associated costs when booking holidays, including travel insurance.
Ryanair defended its position in a statement, emphasising that online check-in has been free since 2008 and remains unchanged. The airline described its move to 100% digital boarding as a 'huge success', carrying over 207 million annual passengers across 3,600 daily flights.
