Ryanair has announced it will scrap paper boarding passes by November 2025, becoming the first major budget airline to go fully digital. The move, aimed at sustainability and streamlining boarding, means passengers must use the Ryanair app to download their boarding pass. Currently, both printed and mobile passes are accepted, but from November 3, printed passes will no longer be valid, except at airports in Morocco, Turkey (excluding Dalaman), and Tirana in Albania until March 2026.
Passengers whose phones die or are lost will still be allowed to fly, but must check in online at least two hours before arriving at the airport. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary confirmed staff will assist in such cases. The airline estimates the change will save 300 tonnes of paper annually.
Other budget airlines have not followed suit. EasyJet accepts both digital and printed boarding passes, with no plans to ban paper. However, digital passes must be downloaded from the app; PDF scans won't scan properly. Some airports still require printed passes.
Jet2 also allows both formats, with mobile check-in available up to six hours before departure. Free desk check-in is offered if the window is missed. Airports in Turkey and Morocco require physical passes.
Wizz Air generally accepts printed and mobile passes, but charges €40 (around £35) for printing at the desk, or €13 (around £11) if pre-booked online. Exceptions include Agadir in Morocco and Zaragoza in Spain, where online check-in is unavailable and desk printing is free.
Passengers are advised to check individual airline policies before travel, especially for destinations with specific requirements.
