In a move that has caught countless travellers off guard, budget airline Ryanair is enforcing a little-known but strict boarding pass policy that could see passengers hit with a hefty fee.
The airline has clarified that while you can check in and receive your boarding pass on its mobile app, this digital version alone is not sufficient to board the aircraft on certain routes. Passengers are required to print out a physical copy of their pass before arriving at the airport.
The Cost of Forgetting
The consequence for non-compliance is severe. Any passenger arriving at the gate without a printed boarding pass will be forced to return to the check-in desk or a Ryanair sales counter. There, they will be charged a punitive £55 fee to have their pass re-issued, turning a budget flight into an unexpectedly expensive journey.
Why The Paper Rule?
This policy is not universal across all Ryanair flights. The print requirement is typically enforced on routes where the destination airport does not have the facilities to scan digital QR codes from phones or tablets. This often affects flights to smaller regional airports or destinations outside the EU.
The responsibility, therefore, falls on the passenger to be aware of the requirements for their specific route. Relying solely on the digital pass in your app is a risky gamble that could easily backfire.
How to Avoid the Fee
To ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey, Ryanair passengers should always follow these steps:
- Complete online check-in via the app or website when it opens (from 24 hours up to 2 hours before departure).
- Download or screenshot your mobile boarding pass and check the small print for any print requirements.
- If in any doubt, or if travelling to a less common destination, print a physical copy of your boarding pass at home before you travel.
- Do not assume airport kiosks will be available or free to use for printing.
This serves as a crucial reminder that the allure of a completely digital, paperless travel experience has its limits. For Ryanair flyers, a simple piece of paper remains an essential item to avoid unwanted surprises at the gate.
