As the travel industry accelerates its digital transformation, major UK airlines are setting new rules for boarding passes. With Ryanair leading a decisive charge towards a paperless future, holidaymakers must now navigate a varied landscape of policies to ensure a smooth airport experience and avoid costly penalties.
The Digital Mandate: Ryanair's Paperless Push
Ryanair has implemented a strict digital-only boarding pass policy, marking a significant shift for one of Europe's largest carriers. Passengers must now use the airline's app to display their boarding pass on a smartphone or other mobile device. The airline will no longer accept traditional paper passes at the gate.
Failure to check in online before arriving at the airport will result in a fee of £55. However, Ryanair has confirmed a contingency for technical issues: if a passenger has already checked in online but their phone is lost, stolen, or has a dead battery, airport staff will print a replacement boarding pass free of charge.
Flexible Policies: BA, easyJet, and TUI's Approach
Other major UK airlines currently offer more flexibility, though the trend is clearly moving towards digital solutions. British Airways continues to accept both digital and printed boarding passes. Its official app can be used on a smartphone or an Apple Watch. Notably, on some routes—often for specific security or destination requirements—a printed pass is still mandatory. For passengers without home printers, BA provides free printing kiosks at airport check-in areas.
EasyJet is actively encouraging passengers to switch to its digital app, highlighting benefits such as reduced paper waste and instant flight updates. Despite this push, the airline still accepts paper copies. Crucially, travellers to several destinations, including major airports in Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey, are required to have a printed boarding pass. EasyJet will print this for you at the airport if needed.
For those booking a package holiday with TUI, the first step is to confirm which airline you are flying with, as TUI packages sometimes use partner carriers like Ryanair or easyJet. On TUI-operated flights (flight numbers starting with TOM or BY), both digital and printed passes are accepted. The airline advises that any printed pass should be on clean, un-torn A4 paper with a scannable barcode.
Navigating the Changes: Key Advice for Travellers
The disparity in rules between airlines underscores the importance of checking policies directly before you travel. Always consult your airline's official website for the latest boarding pass requirements, as these can and do change. This simple step can save you significant money and prevent stressful delays at the airport.
For package holiday customers, your tour operator's documentation may not detail the specific boarding pass rules of the operating airline, making independent verification essential. As 2026 approaches, the industry's shift is evident: while some carriers offer a choice, the future is increasingly digital. Adapting to these changes by familiarising yourself with airline apps and online check-in procedures is the best way to ensure a hassle-free start to your journey.
