Ryanair’s Digital Shift: What Travelers Need to Know About the New Boarding Pass Policy
In a significant move toward digitalization, budget airline Ryanair announced this September that it will transition to digital-only boarding passes starting mid-November 2025. This policy change marks a pivotal shift in how passengers will interact with the airline during their travel journey. Originally scheduled for November 3rd, the airline thoughtfully postponed implementation until November 12th to avoid disrupting travelers during the UK schools’ mid-term break peak travel period. According to Ryanair, this transition aligns with modern travel practices, as approximately 80 percent of their passengers already use digital boarding passes. The airline is following the lead of other industries like concert venues, festivals, and sporting events that have successfully embraced digital-only ticketing systems.
“Ryanair’s move to 100 percent digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers,” explained Dara Brady, Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer. The airline highlights several advantages of using their app beyond just displaying boarding passes. Passengers can pre-order food and beverages for priority service, receive real-time updates about boarding processes, gate changes, and potential delays, and conveniently store all their travel documents in one centralized location. This comprehensive approach suggests Ryanair isn’t just eliminating paper for environmental reasons but is trying to streamline the entire customer experience through their digital platform.
The announcement has naturally raised concerns among certain traveler demographics, particularly elderly passengers who might not own smartphones or feel comfortable navigating mobile applications. Other practical worries have emerged about common travel complications: what happens if your phone battery dies before boarding? What if your device is lost or stolen during your journey? And what about situations where internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable? These are legitimate concerns that could potentially impact thousands of travelers, especially those who rely on printed documentation or have limited digital literacy.
Fortunately, despite the headline-grabbing announcement about going fully digital, Ryanair has confirmed practical exceptions to accommodate passengers in challenging situations. Travelers who cannot access the digital boarding pass through the Ryanair app will still have options. The airline has stated that paper boarding passes will remain available at airport check-in desks for those who need them. Importantly, these will be issued free of charge—but only if passengers have completed their online check-in beforehand. This nuance is crucial, as it suggests Ryanair still expects all passengers to engage with their digital systems at some point in the process, even if they ultimately need a physical document for boarding.
There are also regulatory exceptions to consider. Flights departing from Morocco, for example, will continue to provide paper boarding passes due to government requirements mandating physical documentation. As with the general exception, these paper passes will be issued at no additional cost at the check-in counters, provided passengers have already completed the online check-in process. This highlights how even as airlines push toward digital transformation, they must still navigate varying international regulations that may not always align with their technological initiatives. The Moroccan exception demonstrates how regional rules continue to shape global airline policies, requiring flexibility even within standardized systems.
While Ryanair’s shift represents a significant push toward digitalization in air travel, the reality appears more nuanced than a complete elimination of paper boarding passes. The airline is clearly incentivizing and normalizing digital usage while maintaining necessary fallback options. This balanced approach acknowledges both the benefits of technological advancement and the practical challenges faced by diverse travelers. As this policy rolls out in November 2025, passengers should prepare by downloading the Ryanair app in advance and ensuring they complete online check-in, regardless of whether they ultimately plan to use digital or paper boarding passes. By understanding these nuances, travelers can navigate Ryanair’s new policy with greater confidence and less stress during their journeys.
