Ryanair Moves to Digital-Only Boarding Passes: Key Modifications Explained

Ryanair, the low-cost European airline, is taking a significant step towards a more digital future by formalising its move to app-only boarding. This shift, which mirrors the travel habits of most of its customers, is set to streamline operations and reduce paper waste.

The change will take effect from November 3, after which the airline's app will be the only accepted method for displaying boarding passes. Passengers who have checked-in online before reaching the airport will be unaffected, but those who have not will still be able to check-in online before the flight.

However, for passengers who lose their phones or have a flat battery, Ryanair will issue free paper boarding passes at the airport. This exception will also apply until November 3 for travellers to destinations where printed boarding passes are still required, such as Morocco.

The airline's decision to go fully digital is a response to the increasing use of smartphones by travellers. According to Ryanair, 85-90% of travelers already use smartphones, and almost 100% have one somewhere. The switch to app-only boarding aims to cut airport check-in fees and save approximately 300 tonnes of paper annually.

The app will also allow Ryanair's operations center to push live updates during disruptions, enhancing the passenger experience during potential flight disruptions.

While Ryanair was the first major European airline to make online check-in the norm and penalise the alternative, some rivals still let passengers check in at the desk for free. EasyJet, Jet2, and British Airways are among the airlines that continue to offer this option.

Travelling to Morocco or Albania? Plan accordingly as they have different boarding pass requirements. Albania will go fully digital from March 26, after which the app-only rule should apply for Ryanair flights.

It is worth noting that Ryanair still charges for airport check-in, with fees ranging from £55 (€63.46) per person to £30 (€34.62) on departures from Spain. If a passenger's phone has a flat battery, they can still be boarded at the gate if they are already checked in.

Ryanair's trust-building event where it is possible to ask a quick question to support travelers without a smartphone takes place on September 12, 2025. The event provides an opportunity for those who may be uncertain about the new policy to seek clarification and adjust to the changes.

Despite the shift to digital, Ryanair's policy does not state any consequences for passengers who do not have a smartphone or a charged one at the gate. The airline encourages all passengers to ensure they have a working smartphone and a charged battery to avoid any potential issues at the airport.