In a decisive move towards a fully digital travel experience, Ryanair has announced it will no longer accept paper boarding passes at the gate for any of its flights. The budget airline is mandating that all passengers use the Ryanair app on their smartphones to display their digital boarding passes from October 1st.
The new policy is designed to streamline the boarding process, reduce queues, and minimise customer service delays caused by passengers arriving at the gate with incorrect or printed documents. A Ryanair spokesperson stated that the shift will "speed up boarding and reduce paper waste", aligning with the carrier's efficiency goals.
What This Means for Passengers
This change signifies the end of an era for travellers who preferred to print their passes at home or use airport kiosks. From next month, the only way to board a Ryanair flight will be by presenting the digital pass on a mobile device via the official app.
For those without a smartphone or who encounter technical issues, Ryanair will still provide a solution. Passengers can print their boarding pass at the airport's check-in desk, but this service will come at a cost, consistent with the airline's existing fees for airport check-in.
How to Ensure a Smooth Journey
To avoid any last-minute stress or unexpected charges, passengers are advised to:
- Download the Ryanair app well before their travel date.
- Check in online as usual within the 24-hour to 2-hour window before departure.
- Save their digital boarding pass to their phone's 'wallet' for easy access, especially if concerned about airport Wi-Fi reliability.
- Ensure their device is fully charged before heading to the airport.
This digital-first approach is becoming increasingly common across the aviation industry, with Ryanair now fully embracing the trend to enhance operational efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.
