From November 12, low-cost carrier Ryanair will fully phase out paper boarding passes, requiring all passengers to check in and access their boarding cards through its official mobile app, DPA reports.
Without the digital pass, passengers will not be able to pass security or board their flight.
CEO Michael O’Leary admitted that there “may be some initial hiccups,” but noted that over 80% of Ryanair customers already use the mobile app. The airline calls the move part of its digital strategy to streamline operations and cut waste — estimating it will save over 300 tonnes of paper annually.
How it will work
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Boarding passes will be available only through the Ryanair mobile app.
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If a phone is lost or the battery dies, passengers can request a free paper boarding pass before security.
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After passing security, gate staff can retrieve booking data directly from the system.
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Passengers must complete online check-in prior to travel.
The new airport fee
Those who fail to check in online will need to pay for printed boarding passes at the airport:
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€30 in Spain
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€40 in Austria
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€55 in other EU countries and the UK
Passengers without smartphones will still be able to check in online via the website and collect a paper pass at the airport.