The way we board our flights is undergoing a significant shift, with major UK airlines setting out distinct rules for 2026. While many travellers rely on smartphone boarding passes, the reassurance of a printed document remains popular for some. However, a huge change from Ryanair is forcing a digital move, making it crucial for holidaymakers to understand the varying policies to avoid unexpected charges and airport stress.
The Digital Mandate: Ryanair's New Rule
Ryanair has implemented a strict digital-only policy, meaning paper boarding passes are no longer accepted. Passengers must now use a digital pass on their mobile device. The airline warns that those who fail to check in online ahead of their flight could face a fee of £55 at the airport. Ryanair does, however, state that staff will print a replacement pass free of charge in cases where a passenger has already checked in online but experiences a dead phone battery or loss of their device.
Flexible Policies from Rival Carriers
In contrast to Ryanair's firm stance, other leading airlines are offering more flexibility for the foreseeable future. British Airways continues to accept both digital and printed boarding passes, with its app compatible with phones and Apple Watches. It's important to note that on some routes, often for security reasons, a printed pass is still mandatory. BA provides free printing kiosks at check-in for passengers without home printers.
EasyJet is actively encouraging a switch to digital through its app, promoting benefits like reduced paper waste and easier access to flight updates. Despite this push, the airline still accepts paper copies. Crucially, several easyJet destinations, including major airports in Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey, require a printed boarding pass. The airline will print these for travellers on relevant routes who are unable to do so themselves.
Package Holidays and TUI's Guidance
Travellers who have booked a package holiday with TUI must first check which airline is operating their flight, as packages can use carriers like Ryanair or easyJet, meaning their specific rules apply. For flights operated by TUI itself (flight numbers starting with TOM or BY), both digital and printed passes are accepted. TUI advises that any printed pass should be on clean, un-torn A4 paper with a scannable barcode.
The key takeaway for all passengers is to always verify the latest boarding pass rules on their airline's official website before travelling. These policies are subject to change, and being informed is the best way to save money and ensure a smooth start to your journey in 2026 and beyond.
