Is Ryanair really scrapping printed boarding passes?

Budget airline Ryanair has announced that it intends to phase out paper boarding passes and check-in desks entirely by 2025.

Instead, travellers will be required to present a digital PDF version of their boarding pass via the app.

The change is likely to be in place by May of next year, according to CEO Michael O’Leary. The airline also announced that it would get rid of airport check-in desks, saying that it would ‘create a smoother, easier journey for everybody.’

An estimated 40% of Ryanair passengers rely on printed boarding passes at the moment.

Currently, travellers have a few options when it comes to Ryanair boarding passes: they can download the app and use a ‘mobile pass’, or print out a physical paper boarding pass at home. If they’re unable to do that, they can request a paper boarding pass at the airport for an extra £55.

With the new changes, the only remaining option would be a mobile pass.

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What happens if my phone dies at the airport? Will I miss my flight?

Ryanair hasn’t yet answered this question fully. Though it has said that it can print boarding passes on the gate if necessary, based on passport information, it did not clarify what would happen if a traveller’s phone dies before they are able to pass through security in an airport where Ryanair has removed the check-in desks. 

We contacted Ryanair to check if there are plans to introduce any fees for boarding passes printed at the gate, but the airline did not respond.

Ryanair was rated second-worst in our survey of the best and worst airlines.

Are there any airports which don’t accept mobile passes?

According to the Ryanair website, airports in Morocco and Turkey (except Dalaman), and Tirana airport still do not accept mobile passes. If you’re travelling from or via these airports, you should download your boarding pass from your email confirmation or from the app, print it and keep it to hand.

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Can I use a screenshot of my Ryanair boarding pass?

Ryanair recommends passengers use the app and its ‘mobile passes’, and does not recommend using a screenshot of your boarding pass to travel. Screenshots can be less reliable when scanning.

But if you’d like to keep a screenshot to hand as a backup, in case of low battery, poor internet connection or to send to a friend to keep on your behalf, it’s important to make sure all information is included in the shot, including flight number, full QR code, name, seat number, etc. You should also make sure your phone screen is on full ‘brightness’ to ensure the best chance of it scanning correctly.

Do I need internet access to show my Ryanair boarding pass at the airport?

No. You’ll need internet access to get the boarding pass, but it can then be downloaded onto your phone. You can then display the boarding pass at the airport, even if you don’t have internet access.