Starting 12 November, Ryanair will completely phase out the use of printed boarding passes, requiring passengers to present a digital boarding pass exclusively through the myRyanair app. The airline describes this move as a step toward faster, smarter, and greener air travel.
According to Ryanair, nearly 80% of its customers already use digital passes, so the transition is expected to be smooth for most. The company also highlights the environmental benefit of reducing paper waste and streamlining airport processes.
Still, the change is sparking debate. Some travelers, especially older passengers or those who do not own smartphones, have raised concerns about accessibility. Ryanair has responded by clarifying that passengers unable to access a digital boarding pass will be able to collect a paper version for free at the airport check-in desk, provided they have completed online check-in beforehand.
There will also be exceptions in certain countries, such as Morocco, where local regulations require paper boarding passes. In these cases, travelers must still check in online but will receive a printed pass at the airport.
For most flyers, the shift means ensuring their phone is charged, the Ryanair app is installed, and their boarding pass is downloaded before heading to the airport. The airline recommends saving the pass offline to avoid last-minute issues with Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Ryanair insists that going fully digital will make the travel experience smoother while also cutting down on paper usage. For travelers, however, it marks the end of an era where the traditional paper boarding pass was part of every flight.