Published on
September 30, 2025
Ryanair’s decision to switch to smartphone-only boarding passes starting November 2025 is designed to enhance the passenger experience by streamlining check-ins, reducing paper waste, and providing real-time updates. This move aligns with the airline’s goal to create a faster, smarter, and greener travel process. With over 80% of passengers already using digital boarding passes, the airline aims to modernize air travel and ensure efficiency while keeping up with the growing demand for sustainable, tech-driven solutions.
Ryanair to Introduce 100% Digital Boarding Passes Starting November 2025: What Passengers Need to Know
Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, is set to eliminate most paper boarding passes starting from 12 November 2025. Instead, passengers will be required to present their boarding pass through the Ryanair app on their smartphones.
The airline has confirmed that from this date, travelers will no longer be able to download and print physical boarding passes. Instead, they must use the digital boarding pass generated in their “myRyanair” app during check-in to board their flight. This move is part of Ryanair’s effort to enhance the travel experience with smarter, quicker, and more sustainable options for passengers.
The airline’s marketing team explained that this decision mirrors similar changes in other industries, including festivals, sports events, and music shows, all of which have successfully transitioned to digital-only ticketing.
But how will this shift impact travelers? Below are the key points to consider:
Current Boarding Process
At present, Ryanair passengers must check in online via the airline’s website or app at least two hours before departure. Once checked in, passengers can either print a paper boarding pass on a single A4 page or download a digital version to their mobile device. However, with the new policy, printed boarding passes will no longer be accepted at airports, although passengers can still get a printed boarding pass from Ryanair staff at the airport at no extra cost.
What Changes from 12 November 2025?
From the set date, only digital boarding passes generated through the “myRyanair” app will be accepted for boarding. However, it is important to note that passengers will still be able to obtain a paper boarding pass at the airport, but only if the ground staff prints it out. The change will eliminate the option for travelers to bring printed passes from home, pushing a full digital transition.
Why Is Ryanair Changing Its Boarding Policy?
According to the airline, the shift to 100% digital passes aims to streamline operations. Currently, about 80% of Ryanair passengers already use digital boarding passes, and the airline’s policy change targets the remaining 20%. By encouraging the use of the app, Ryanair believes that passengers will benefit from real-time updates, including notifications regarding boarding times, gate changes, and delays. During disruptions, passengers have already experienced quicker communication through the app, as seen recently at Brno airport, where passengers were informed of long delays well before an official announcement was made.
What If I Don’t Have a Smartphone?
Concerns have been raised regarding passengers, especially older individuals, who may not own smartphones or prefer not to use them. Ryanair has addressed this by allowing passengers to ask family or friends to download the boarding pass on their behalf. If this isn’t an option, the airline assures passengers that assistance will be provided at the airport. Upon arrival, staff will confirm that the passenger has checked in and help them proceed without any further issues.
What If My Phone Is Lost or Battery Dies?
A common concern surrounding digital boarding passes is the risk of losing access to a phone or running out of battery. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has reassured passengers that in the event of phone loss or battery depletion, they can still board their flight as long as they have checked in online before arriving at the airport. If the phone is lost, the airline will issue a paper boarding pass free of charge at the airport. If the phone battery dies, airport staff can still locate the passenger’s check-in information using the boarding pass sequence number, ensuring smooth boarding despite the technical setback.
Despite these assurances, O’Leary acknowledges that there may be some initial hiccups during the implementation phase, but the airline is confident in addressing any challenges swiftly.
What About Countries That Still Require Paper Boarding Passes?
While most countries have embraced digital boarding passes, there are still some, like Morocco, where the government requires paper boarding passes. In such cases, Ryanair advises passengers to complete check-in online, receive confirmation via the app, and then collect a printed boarding pass from the check-in desk.
Other Considerations
Ryanair has also highlighted issues related to online travel agents (OTAs). The airline warns that passengers who book through third-party agents should verify their details before travel. Some OTAs have been found to send incorrect or fraudulent payment and contact information to the airline, which can cause issues at check-in. To mitigate this, Ryanair recommends that passengers double-check their details when booking through OTAs to avoid complications.
Ryanair’s decision to move entirely to digital boarding passes marks a significant step in modernizing the travel experience. While the shift might pose challenges for a small segment of passengers, the airline’s commitment to ensuring smooth transitions for all travelers—regardless of smartphone ownership—appears to address the major concerns. As with any major policy change, passengers are encouraged to be proactive and stay informed to avoid potential disruptions
