Starting May 2025, Ryanair will become the first major airline to exclusively allow digital boarding passes, signaling a significant shift in the way passengers prepare for flights. According to Michael O'Leary, the airline's chief executive, airport check-in desks will be eliminated, and the company will no longer accept printed boarding passes. Its passengers will be required to have mobile boarding passes ready for scanning as they proceed to board their flights.
This transition is aimed at streamlining the boarding process and reflects changing consumer habits—about 60% of Ryanair's passengers already opt for digital boarding passes, indicating their growing popularity. While this move simplifies processes for many, it may pose difficulties for older travelers or those less comfortable with technology. Currently, passengers who fail to check-in online and download their boarding passes before arriving at the airport face hefty fees of up to £55. The new policy could lead to the elimination of such charges, benefitting frequent fliers and casual travellers alike.
Interestingly, Ryanair is not alone as various airlines are reevaluing their boarding pass policies. For example, TUI, another widely known airline, offers online check-in for its flights, known by their flight numbers starting with TOM. Passengers who book through TUI to fly with partner airlines must refer to those airlines’ rules, as they vary significantly. TUI's website states, "To log onto the airline website, you will be asked for your flight reference number. Please note, this is not the same as your TUI booking reference. Your flight reference number will be alpha-numeric and can be found on your booking confirmation, e-ticket, or by managing your booking on the TUI website." This emphasis on knowing the correct reference numbers highlights the importance of being informed about your specific arrangements.
EasyJet has likewise embraced the digital transition yet acknowledges the need for paper boarding passes at certain destinations. The airline encourages passengers to use its mobile app for downloading boarding passes to promote environmental sustainability. Still, several airports within EasyJet's network do not accept digital passes. Passengers flying from these locations must print boarding passes prior to departure. The list of destinations requiring printed passes prominently includes airports such as Agadir, Antalya, and Sharm El Sheikh, among others. Notably, many of these airports also necessitate document verification before travelers proceed through security.
British Airways offers its passengers the flexibility to choose between digital and physical boarding passes. This airline even facilitates the use of Apple Watches for presenting boarding passes. Within the British Airways app, passengers receive notifications when check-in for their flight is open. After checking in, the boarding pass can be downloaded to Passbook/Wallet, allowing offline access on Apple devices. "To get your boarding pass on your Apple Watch, you need to download the British Airways app on your iPhone and Apple Watch, check-in for your flight on your iPhone, and download your boarding pass through the app," the airline explains. Like others, British Airways allows printing of boarding passes for those who prefer tangible documents to expedite their process at the airport. Nonetheless, you should remain aware of specific airport rules when proceeding without digital options.
With Ryanair taking bold steps toward the digital era, the airline industry is clearly changing. While many travelers embrace this move as convenient, others remain cautious about the removal of traditional paper boarding passes. For frequent flyers who have successfully navigated digital boarding passes, this transition may simply serve as another step toward simplification. Conversely, some passengers might find new challenges as they adapt to the expected technological shift.
From QR codes on smartphones replacing the crumpled paper tickets of yesteryear to alerts for check-in deadlines sent straight to users' devices, the airline experience is poised for constant evolution. With awareness and preparation, travelers can adjust to the upcoming changes and embrace the perks of going digital—while still being mindful of the old-school method many still appreciate.