Ryanair Shifts to Digital Boarding Passes Starting November 12

Ryanair has announced a significant change to its boarding pass policy, transitioning to a fully digital system starting on November 12, 2023. From this date, passengers will no longer have the option to print their boarding passes, as the airline aims to streamline operations through its myRyanair app. This move is expected to reduce paper usage by approximately 300 tonnes annually and expedite the boarding process.

The decision to eliminate paper boarding passes reflects a growing trend in the airline industry towards digital solutions. While a large portion of Ryanair’s customers are already accustomed to using the app for check-in, concerns have been raised about the impact on passengers who may not be comfortable with technology, particularly older travelers. To address these worries, Ryanair has assured its customers that airport staff will be available to assist those who may encounter difficulties.

Transition to a Fully Digital System

Starting in November, all Ryanair passengers are required to check in online via the myRyanair app. Although nearly 80% of travelers already complete check-in digitally, a significant number still prefer the traditional method of obtaining a printed boarding pass. Ryanair’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael O’Leary, has expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “Almost 100 percent of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto the smartphone technology.”

Passengers must ensure they check in online before arriving at the airport to avoid incurring additional fees, which can range from $30 to $60. O’Leary emphasized the importance of this step, reiterating that assistance will be provided to those who may struggle with the new system.

Assistance for Passengers

While Ryanair has implemented this digital strategy to enhance efficiency, there are scenarios in which passengers could find themselves without access to their digital boarding pass. Instances such as a lost phone or a dead battery could hinder access to boarding codes. In such cases, Ryanair staff will issue a paper boarding pass at no additional cost, provided the passenger has checked in online.

The airline has also taken steps to ensure that boarding passes are accessible offline once check-in is complete. Passengers can find their boarding passes in the myRyanair app under the ‘My Bookings’ section. Notably, exceptions to this new policy include flights originating from Morocco or Tirana, Albania, where printed boarding passes will still be required.

The transition to a digital-only boarding pass system offers benefits beyond environmental considerations. By automating the check-in process, Ryanair aims to reduce congestion at airports and improve operational efficiency. However, the airline industry has experienced challenges in the past due to reliance on technology. High-profile incidents, such as the recent IT outage affecting Alaska Airlines and the system failure that grounded thousands of flights for Southwest Airlines in late 2022, highlight the vulnerabilities associated with digital systems.

With the increasing dependence on technology, airlines also face growing cybersecurity threats. In September, several European airports experienced a cyberattack that disrupted check-in and boarding processes, forcing staff to revert to manual procedures and resulting in significant delays.

As Ryanair prepares for this transition, passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the myRyanair app and ensure they take the necessary steps to check in prior to arriving at the airport. By adapting to these changes, travelers can enjoy a more streamlined boarding experience while contributing to environmental sustainability.