Ryanair will require passengers to utilize digital boarding passes exclusively starting next week. The airline has announced this change, effective Wednesday, November 12. After this date, passengers will no longer have the option to obtain a physical paper boarding pass; instead, they must use the digital boarding pass generated within the “myRyanair” app on their mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, during the check-in process for all flights.
Ryanair has stated that the majority of passengers already utilize digital boarding passes, with nearly 80% of the over 207 million annual passengers doing so. However, approximately 40 million passengers who prefer alternative methods, like printing their passes, will be affected by this change.
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the benefits of the transition to digitization, highlighting a faster, smarter, and more environmentally friendly experience for passengers. The move aims to provide improved access to various in-app features, including ‘Order to Seat,’ live flight updates, and direct notifications during disruptions.
The airline assured that the shift to digital boarding passes would lead to reduced airport costs and ultimately lower fares for all passengers, while also saving 300 tonnes of paper annually. Ryanair has addressed concerns from customers regarding potential issues such as losing their mobile devices, ensuring that assistance will be provided at the airport under such circumstances.
For passengers without smartphones or tablets, Ryanair has outlined a process to obtain a free boarding pass at the airport if they have completed online check-in. Additionally, the airline confirmed that as long as passengers have completed online check-in, the digital boarding pass will be accessible even without a mobile signal.
Overall, Ryanair’s move towards 100% digital boarding passes aims to enhance the travel experience for all customers, streamline operations through the myRyanair app, and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry.