Ryanair to Phase Out Printed Boarding Passes: What Travelers Need to know
Table of Contents
- 1. Ryanair to Phase Out Printed Boarding Passes: What Travelers Need to know
- 2. Potential Challenges for Passengers
- 3. How the New System Will Work
- 4. A Smoother Journey Ahead?
- 5. What Travelers Should Do
- 6. What are the potential challenges that Ryanair may face in transitioning to a fully digital boarding pass system?
Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, is set to make a significant shift in its boarding process this summer. Teh airline plans to eliminate printed boarding passes entirely, moving to a fully digital system. This change, expected to take effect around May 2025, marks a major step in the airline’s efforts to streamline operations and enhance passenger convenience.
According to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, the decision comes as 80% of passengers already use the Ryanair app to manage their bookings and access digital boarding passes. “Once all passengers are moved onto the Ryanair app,the check-in fee will be scrapped,” O’Leary stated. “This will save money and make things easier for everybody.”
Potential Challenges for Passengers
While the move to digital boarding passes is expected to benefit the majority of travelers, it could pose challenges for the 20% who still rely on printed passes. Travel expert Eoghan corry warned of potential disruptions. “There is one very big rule change, and it’s to do with boarding passes — Ryanair said they’re not going to take printed boarding passes this summer,” Corry explained. “There will be absolute havoc when that takes effect.”
Corry emphasized that even though Ryanair considers this group a “small proportion,” it still represents one in five passengers. “When they say no more printed boarding passes, there is going to be havoc,” he added.
How the New System Will Work
Ryanair’s website clarifies that passengers can access their boarding passes through the app after checking in. Printing a boarding pass will no longer be necessary unless travelers are departing from a Moroccan airport, where local regulations may require a physical copy.
For those without access to a printer, Ryanair offers a solution — but at a cost. “If you do not have access to a printer, we can print it for you at the check-in desk, but you will be charged a boarding card reissue fee for each passenger,” the airline stated. This fee is €20 per passenger, with additional airport check-in fees ranging from €30 to €55, depending on the departure location.
A Smoother Journey Ahead?
While the exact timeline for the transition remains unconfirmed,O’Leary has made it clear that the airline is committed to moving all passengers to the app. “Everybody who travels with us has the app, the mobile boarding pass is on the app, and we’ve got to move more and more people that way,” he said during an interview with Newstalk.
O’Leary also highlighted the long-term benefits of this shift. “Once Ryanair moves all of its passengers onto the app, the check-in fee will be scrapped because no one will have to pay for a boarding pass,” he explained. “So I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody.”
What Travelers Should Do
To avoid disruptions, passengers are encouraged to download the Ryanair app and familiarize themselves with its features. Ensuring that yoru mobile device is charged and ready for use at the airport will be crucial. For those who prefer printed passes, it’s advisable to plan ahead and be aware of the potential fees associated with last-minute printing at the check-in desk.
As Ryanair continues to embrace digital innovation,this change underscores the airline’s commitment to efficiency and cost-saving measures. However, it also serves as a reminder for travelers to adapt to the evolving landscape of air travel.
What are the potential challenges that Ryanair may face in transitioning to a fully digital boarding pass system?
Archyde Interview: Ryanair’s Digital Boarding Pass Transition – Insights from a Travel Industry Expert
By [Your name], News Editor, Archyde
As Ryanair prepares to phase out printed boarding passes entirely by May 2025, travelers and industry experts alike are weighing in on the implications of this meaningful shift. To better understand the move, we sat down with Dr. sarah Collins,a renowned travel industry analyst and professor of aviation management at the Global Travel Institute,to discuss the benefits,challenges,and broader impact of Ryanair’s decision.
Archyde: Dr. Collins, thank you for joining us. Ryanair’s decision to eliminate printed boarding passes is a major step toward digitalization. what are your thoughts on this move?
Dr. Collins: Thank you for having me. Ryanair’s decision is a natural progression in the aviation industry’s shift toward digital solutions. With 80% of their passengers already using the Ryanair app, this move aligns with broader trends we’ve seen since the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced mobile boarding pass standards in 2011. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of contactless technologies, and Ryanair is capitalizing on that momentum.
Archyde: ryanair CEO Michael O’leary has stated that this change will save money and make things easier for passengers. Do you agree?
Dr. Collins: Absolutely.from an operational standpoint, eliminating printed boarding passes reduces costs associated with paper, printing, and check-in kiosks. for passengers, it simplifies the process—no more worrying about losing a paper pass or waiting in line to print one. The added incentive of scrapping the check-in fee is a smart move to encourage app adoption.
However, the key challenge lies in ensuring that all passengers are equipped to adapt. While 80% of travelers might potentially be pleasant with digital tools, the remaining 20%—frequently enough older adults or those without smartphones—could face significant hurdles.
Archyde: Speaking of challenges, travel expert Eoghan Corry has warned of potential “havoc” when this change takes effect. Do you share his concerns?
Dr. Collins: I do, to some extent. Transitioning to a fully digital system is a massive logistical undertaking. Even if only 20% of passengers are affected, that’s still a ample number of people who may struggle with the new process. Airports could see delays and confusion, especially during the initial rollout phase.
Ryanair will need to invest heavily in customer education and support. Clear communication, user-friendly tutorials, and on-the-ground assistance at airports will be critical to minimizing disruptions.
Archyde: How do you think this decision will impact the broader aviation industry?
Dr. Collins: Ryanair’s move sets a precedent for other airlines, particularly low-cost carriers.If successful, we could see a domino effect, with more airlines adopting fully digital systems.This would further streamline operations across the industry and enhance the passenger experience.
That said, airlines must balance innovation with inclusivity. Not all travelers have access to smartphones or reliable internet, so choice solutions—such as kiosks for digital pass printing or staff-assisted check-ins—will remain essential.
Archyde: what advice would you give to travelers preparing for this change?
Dr. Collins: my advice is simple: embrace the digital shift. Download the Ryanair app, familiarize yourself with its features, and ensure your device is charged and ready before heading to the airport. For those who are less tech-savvy, don’t hesitate to seek help from family, friends, or airport staff.
This transition is ultimately about making travel more efficient and convenient. With proper preparation,passengers can enjoy a smoother,hassle-free experience.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Collins, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that Ryanair’s move to digital boarding passes is a significant step forward, but one that requires careful planning and execution.
Dr. Collins: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to seeing how this transition unfolds.
stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on Ryanair’s digital conversion and other breaking news in the travel industry.
