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Ryanair Switches to Digital-Only Boarding Passes on Nov. 12

Consumer advocates warn the policy risks excluding non-digital travelers, raising the prospect of legal challenges.

Overview

  • The airline will stop accepting printed passes and direct customers to generate boarding passes in the myRyanair app.
  • Passengers who have checked in online but lack a working device can get a free paper pass at the airport, while those who skip online check-in face airport check-in fees of roughly €30–€55 depending on the country.
  • CEO Michael O’Leary anticipates minor start-up issues and says gate staff will help checked-in passengers if phones fail or batteries die.
  • Ryanair frames the shift as a sustainability and efficiency move, noting that more than 80% already use digital passes and estimating over 300 tonnes of paper waste avoided annually.
  • The rollout was pushed from May to November to reduce disruption, coinciding with a larger winter schedule and a significant operation at Málaga Airport.