Ryanair Ditches Paper Boarding Passes, Mandating Mobile App Downloads

Ryanair began eliminating paper boarding passes on November 12, forcing customers to download its mobile app to access their digital boarding passes. As announced in February and subsequently delayed from earlier start dates, Europe's biggest airline is moving to digital-only boarding passes, meaning customers will no longer be able to print physical ones. In order to access their boarding passes, Ryanair flyers will have to download Ryanair's app. Almost 100 percent of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto that smartphone technology, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said recently on The Independent's daily travel podcast. According to O'Leary, customers are encouraged to check in online via Ryanair's website or app before getting to the airport. People who don't check in online before getting to the airport will have to pay the airport a check-in fee. Further explaining the change, O'Leary said, per a Monday report from The Telegraph: "They will still, as they are today, be paying the airport check-in fee of €5.50, equivalent to about $6.72. And they know that they have to check in the day before their flight." The move to digital-only boarding passes is part of Ryanair's efforts to modernize its operations and reduce costs. By eliminating paper boarding passes, the airline aims to save on printing and distribution costs. Ryanair also hopes to encourage customers to use its mobile app more frequently, which can provide additional features and services, such as flight updates and travel information. The airline industry has been moving towards digitalization in recent years, with many airlines adopting mobile apps and online check-in systems. However, the elimination of paper boarding passes is a significant step, and it may have implications for passengers who do not have access to smartphones or prefer to use physical boarding passes. Ryanair's move to digital-only boarding passes has been met with mixed reactions from passengers. While some welcome the convenience and cost savings, others have expressed concerns about the potential for technical issues and the need to download additional apps. The airline has assured passengers that it will provide support and assistance to those who need help with the digital boarding pass system. As of now, Ryanair's digital-only boarding pass system is in place, and customers are required to download the airline's app to access their boarding passes. The airline has also announced plans to expand its mobile app features and services in the coming months, which may include additional payment options and travel information.