Has Ryanair banned printed boarding passes? Your guide to the latest rules in 2025

From November 2025, Ryanair passengers will no longer be able to use printed versions of their boarding passes.

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

Michael O'Leary, the airline's chief executive, also announced earlier this year that he expects to get rid of almost all airport check-in desks, saying that it would ‘create a smoother, easier journey for everybody’.

The airline estimated this month that approximately 25% of Ryanair passengers rely on printed boarding passes. 

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 told us: ‘If someone’s phone dies or breaks they will be assisted by staff at the gate and their details will be crossed checked and validated against our flight manifest and they will be boarded as normal.’

It has previously also stated that boarding passes can be printed at the gate if necessary, based on passport information, and told us that it does not intend to introduce a fee for printing boarding passes at the gate.

It has not yet clarified what would happen if a traveller’s phone dies before they can pass through security in an airport where Ryanair has removed check-in desks. 

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

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

Airports in Morocco and Turkey (except Dalaman), and Tirana airport in Albania still don't accept mobile passes, according to Ryanair's website.

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? Will it work?

Ryanair recommends passengers use the app and its ‘mobile passes’, and doesn't 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.

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Can I send my boarding pass to another phone?

Again, Ryanair suggests that you use only its app and the mobile passes, rather than screenshots. It's not advisable to rely on a screenshot that you've taken and sent to another phone. 

However, it is possible to share a downloaded pass to another phone or device using email, direct message, Bluetooth or Apple's AirDrop function. If you have an iPhone, you can also add the pass to your Apple Wallet by logging into the Ryanair app on your phone and clicking 'add to wallet' after checking in for the flight.

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 on to your phone. You can then display the boarding pass at the airport, even if you don’t have internet access.

What happens if I don't print my Ryanair boarding pass? 

As long as you're checked in for your flight and have a mobile pass ready to use or downloaded, there's no need to print your boarding pass. And, from November 2025, printed Ryanair boarding passes will no longer be available or accepted.

Has Ryanair changed its baggage rules?

Yes. Ryanair will increase the size of its underseat bag for travellers this summer, meaning an increase in volume of 20%. But these new rules have not yet come into effect.  Currently, Ryanair's website still lists its old, smaller dimension guidelines. So if you're flying this summer, it's wise to stick to these until it announces new rules and updates its site.

Find out which airline has the most generous hand luggage allowance in our guide to cabin bag sizes in 2025.

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