Ryanair makes main boarding move change from this week – this is what you want to know
Ryanair’s new boarding pass rules have come into effect this week, meaning passengers will no longer be able to check in at the airport or use printed boarding passes
Ryanair’s new boarding pass rules have officially come into force, marking a significant shift for all travellers flying with the budget carrier. The move, which was implemented yesterday (November 12), means Ryanair passengers will no longer have the option to check in at the airport or utilise printed boarding passes.
Under the new protocol, passengers are required to download the Ryanair app on their mobile devices and use a digital boarding pass to board their flight.
The low-cost airline says: “Check-in online on Ryanair.com or Ryanair App prior to arriving at the airport. After check-in your Digital Boarding Pass (DBP) will appear automatically in your Ryanair App. Present your DBP at airport security and at the boarding gate for your flight.”
Ryanair claims that the updated system is intended to be “hassle free,” promising that travel will be “quicker and easier” with “less stress and zero paper,” reports the Daily Record.
The airline also maintains that this move will enhance the overall airport experience for passengers by simplifying the check-in process and eliminating queues at the airport counters.
How it works
Passengers must ensure they check in online between 24 and 48 hours before their scheduled flight departure.
For those who previously depended on paper boarding passes, Ryanair is urging them to switch to the app now and complete the check-in process on it prior to travelling.
The airline has also given assurances that if a passenger’s mobile goes missing or runs out of battery before boarding, gate staff can help issue a replacement digital boarding pass.
Provided travellers have checked in online beforehand, Ryanair promises a hassle-free boarding experience.
However, passengers without a smartphone could find themselves in a pickle with Ryanair’s new digital boarding pass system. The airline estimates that up to 15% of travellers might not own one, potentially causing difficulties in accessing their boarding passes or checking in, and possibly leading them to give the airline a wide berth.
Despite this, Ryanair chief Micheal O’Leary remains optimistic that the majority of passengers will be able to adjust to the new regulation.
He highlighted that “between 85 and 90% of passengers show up with smartphones,” implying that most are already prepared for the transition to digital boarding passes.
Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, added: “This move to 100% paperless boarding passes from November 2025 will allow us to deliver an enhanced travel experience for customers, streamlined through the myRyanair app during our less busy Winter schedule.”
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