Ryanair, one of the United Kingdom's most popular airlines, has issued a stark warning to passengers: ignoring pre-flight reminders could result in a hefty charge of up to £55 before you even board your aircraft. This fee applies per passenger per flight sector, including connections, and varies by departure location, with costs of £30 for flights from Spain and £40 from Austria.
The Cost of Forgetting to Check In
The oversight that triggers this charge is simply failing to check in online before arriving at the airport. Ryanair urges all customers to complete their check-in ahead of travel and utilise a Digital Boarding Pass to avoid unnecessary expenses. Official guidance from the airline states that passengers receive email reminders 48 and 24 hours before departure. If these reminders are ignored and a passenger arrives at the airport without having checked in online, the airport check-in fee will be enforced.
Ryanair's Shift to Digital Boarding Passes
In a significant update to its ticketing system in November 2025, Ryanair discontinued the use of physical tickets at most airports, transitioning to a '100%' Digital Boarding Pass operation. This move, initially planned for May 2025, aims to reduce operational costs, save an estimated 300 tonnes of paper annually, and provide travellers with direct flight updates. To obtain a Digital Boarding Pass, passengers must check in online via the Ryanair website or mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Upon check-in, the pass automatically appears in the app and must be presented at airport security and the boarding gate.
Addressing Passenger Concerns
Ryanair emphasises that this digital method is 'quicker, easier' and results in 'less stress' compared to traditional paper tickets. The airline also reassures travellers that they can still board their flight even if their phone is lost or runs out of battery. This is because personnel at the departure gate have access to each traveller's 'sequence number' in the system. Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's CEO, explained on The Independent's daily travel podcast, "The big concern that people have is: 'What happens if I lose my battery or what if I lose my phone?'...If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you've checked in before you got to the airport, we'll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge."
Ryanair's website echoes this advice, noting that if a passenger has checked in online but loses their device or it dies, their details remain on the system, and assistance will be provided at the gate. However, it is crucial to remember that Ryanair is not alone in imposing such fees. Competitors like Wizz Air also charge between €40 and €50 for airport check-ins, applicable per flight per passenger.
How to Check In Online with Ryanair
To avoid these charges, follow these simple steps for online check-in:
- Visit Ryanair.com or open the Ryanair app on your device.
- Log into your existing account or create a new one if necessary.
- Click on the 'Check-in' option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and enter the required details from your travel documents.
- Once check-in is complete, either print your boarding pass or save it to your mobile device for easy access.
By adhering to these guidelines, passengers can ensure a smoother, more cost-effective travel experience with Ryanair, leveraging the airline's digital advancements while avoiding unexpected fees.
