This new system will eliminate the option to obtain paper boarding passes at airport counters or kiosks and will apply to all flights
In a move to streamline operations and reduce costs, Ryanair, the Irish ultra low-cost airline, will enforce a digital-only boarding pass policy across its entire European network starting November 3, a rollout that was initially planned for May but postponed to allow more preparation time.
In a press statement Ryanair says that this new system will eliminate the option to obtain paper boarding passes at airport counters or kiosks and will apply to all flights, including newly launched routes from the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland and Portugal.
It adds that the move is part of Ryanair’s broader strategy to digitise passenger services while reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
The statement adds that initially scheduled for rollout in May, the policy was postponed to November following internal discussions and feedback from partner airports.
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It adds that Ryanair spokesperson confirmed that the delay was aimed at preventing confusion and potential disruption during the high-volume summer travel season. By rescheduling the enforcement to the post-summer period, the airline hopes to ease the transition for both airport operations and passengers.
Ryanair says that until the policy comes into full effect in November, Ryanair’s existing check-in and boarding pass rules remain unchanged, but still carry significant financial penalties for passengers who do not comply.
It adds that travellers who fail to check in online are charged a USD 73 fee per person at most airports, while those departing from Spanish airports are charged USD 40.25.
The airline says that these charges are applied per flight segment and have been a common source of frustration among passengers unfamiliar with the airline’s policies. For those who miss all online check-in windows and arrive at the airport unprepared, a missed check-in can trigger a rebooking penalty of USD 134. Reprinting a boarding pass at the airport currently costs an additional USD 26.83. It adds that these fees will continue to apply until the digital-only policy officially replaces all in-person alternatives in November.
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The statement adds that the travel industry observers say the digital-only mandate signals a deeper shift in the airline’s operating model. By requiring passengers to manage their own check-in and boarding through mobile apps, Ryanair is transferring logistical responsibility from airline staff to customers.
It adds that this approach may favour tech-savvy travellers but poses a challenge for infrequent flyers, elderly passengers, or those who lack access to smartphones or stable internet connections.
It further adds that travel agencies and booking platforms have already begun adjusting their services to address this change, with some now offering digital assistance packages for customers who may struggle to meet the new requirements.
The statement adds that airports across Europe, especially those in countries with high Ryanair traffic such as Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have also begun preparing for the transition.
It adds that several airport authorities have updated passenger information displays, digital check-in kiosks, and staff training procedures to align with Ryanair’s updated policies.
The statement further adds that despite the formal announcement of the November implementation date, confusion about the timeline remains widespread. Some passengers have mistakenly assumed the digital-only policy is already in effect, resulting in a rise in avoidable check-in fees and missed flights.
It adds that travel watchdog groups have urged Ryanair to clarify its messaging across all communication channels including confirmation emails, app notifications, and customer service responses to prevent further misunderstandings.
Michael O’Leary, CEO, Ryanair, had announced the digital transition in October 2024, citing internal passenger usage data that showed nearly 60 pc of Ryanair customers were already using the airline’s mobile app to check in and access boarding passes.
The company has framed the shift as a dual-effort to streamline operations and reduce its carbon footprint by eliminating printed boarding passes and scaling down airport staffing requirements. In practice, this will allow Ryanair to consolidate its ground operations, particularly in regional and secondary airports where physical infrastructure is limited and digital infrastructure is more efficient
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