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Ryanair Ends Paper Boarding Passes, Requiring App Boarding From Today

Critics warn the change could disadvantage passengers without smartphones.

Overview

  • The airline’s digital-only policy takes effect on 12 November, with boarding passes available exclusively in the myRyanair app.
  • Passengers who checked in online can receive a free paper pass at the airport if a phone is lost or the battery fails, but those who arrive without checking in must pay the airport check‑in fee.
  • Exceptions remain where local rules require paper, notably flights from Morocco and departures at Tirana in Albania, with staff printing passes after online check‑in.
  • Ryanair says 85–90% of its 206m+ customers already use digital passes and claims lower costs, about 300 tonnes less paper annually, and app features such as real‑time disruption alerts and in‑seat ordering.
  • Age advocacy groups and travel commentators highlight risks of digital exclusion and potential teething problems, while Ryanair points to offline pass access and cyber incident response plans.