Ryanair's Major Boarding Pass Change Takes Effect
Money saving expert Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to millions of Ryanair passengers as the airline implements a significant policy change starting today, Wednesday 12 November. The budget carrier has completely phased out home-printed boarding passes, requiring all travellers to use digital versions instead.
What the New Digital-Only System Means for You
Under the new system, passengers will automatically receive a digital boarding pass when checking in online or through the myRyanair app. Ryanair will no longer accept any home-printed documents from this date forward. However, the airline has introduced an important safety net for those concerned about phone issues.
If your mobile device runs out of battery or gets lost after you've checked in, Ryanair will print a boarding pass at the airport free of charge. This represents a substantial improvement from their previous policy of charging £20 for this service. The crucial requirement is that passengers must have completed online check-in beforehand.
Potential Pitfalls and Important Exceptions
Ryanair continues to enforce strict penalties for passengers who fail to check in online before arriving at the airport, with fees ranging from £30 to £55. This makes understanding the new digital requirements essential for avoiding unexpected costs.
There are specific exceptions to the digital-only rule. MoneySavingExpert.com clarified that travellers to certain destinations, including Morocco, will still require paper boarding passes due to local regulations. In these cases, passengers should present their digital pass at the airport, where staff will provide a printed version without charge.
The airline claims that approximately 80% of its 207 million annual passengers have already adapted to digital boarding passes. Nevertheless, concerns remain about passengers without smartphones or those less comfortable with mobile technology.
Airline Leadership Responds to Concerns
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, 64, addressed criticism by stating: "I'm old, and I travel with Ryanair on a very, very regular basis, and I use the Ryanair app, it is pretty simple, pretty easy to use." He assured travellers that the airline would show flexibility, adding that "nobody would be cut off at the knees" by the transition.
In a statement last week, Ryanair Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady explained the reasoning behind the move: "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." He encouraged the remaining passengers still using printed passes to download the myRyanair app ahead of the November 12 deadline.
The airline emphasises that this shift towards complete digital integration will streamline the travel experience while reducing environmental impact. Passengers are advised to ensure their devices are fully charged before travelling and to familiarise themselves with the myRyanair app's features to make the most of the new system.
