Ryanair, Europe’s biggest airline, is set to make its boarding process entirely digital by eliminating paper boarding passes. This change, originally scheduled for earlier this year, will take effect on November 12.
The move requires passengers to download Ryanair’s mobile app to access their boarding passes, as physical copies will no longer be issued. Ryanair's CEO Michael O’Leary highlighted in The Independent's daily travel podcast that nearly all passengers possess smartphones, which facilitates this transition to digital technology.
Passengers are advised to check in online through Ryanair's website or app prior to their airport arrival. Those who neglect to do so will incur an airport check-in fee. O'Leary emphasized that reminders are sent via SMS and email leading up to the flight, ensuring passengers have ample notice to comply with the new procedures.
According to a recent press release, Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady noted that this shift aims to enable 'faster, smarter, and greener' travel experiences. Currently, around 80% of Ryanair's over 206 million passengers already utilize digital boarding passes. The airline’s transition reflects a broader trend towards digital-only ticketing observed in other industries such as festivals and sporting events.