Starting on November 12, Europe’s budget carrier Ryanair will no longer accept printed boarding passes. Instead, every passenger must present a digital boarding pass via the myRyanair app. This marks the airline’s move to become fully paperless.
The decision is rooted in sustainability. Ryanair estimates that eliminating paper boarding passes will cut over 300 tonnes of paper waste annually. The move also fits its broader digital strategy and operational streamlining efforts.
What’s Changing for Passengers
From the launch date:
- Printed (home-printed) boarding passes are no longer valid at check-in or boarding gates.
- Passengers must either book and check-in via the myRyanair app or save the digital boarding pass in the app.
- The airline already reports that about 80 % of its passengers use the app for booking, check-in, and boarding pass display.
- For passengers booking via third-party websites, Ryanair recommends downloading its app and saving the boarding pass there.
- If a traveller arrives without a digital pass, they may still get a printed pass at the airport—but only if they checked in online in advance, and likely at a fee.
- Some exceptions apply: in certain airports where local regulations require paper boarding passes (for example some Moroccan destinations), Ryanair will provide a printed version.
The Sustainability Angle
Ryanair frames this change as more than a convenience upgrade — it’s part of its commitment to green operations. Going entirely digital on boarding passes reduces resource use and waste. It also aligns with the airline’s push to streamline passenger experience through its app (e.g., real-time flight updates, seat-ordering, gate notifications).
Ryanair claims that shifting to digital-only boarding passes will bring:
- Faster processing at airport check-in and boarding.
- A “smarter” travel experience via richer digital features.
- A “greener” footprint through lower paper usage and lower airport check-in fees.
How to Prepare If You’re Flying
Download the myRyanair app ahead of your flight and ensure your boarding pass appears and is accessible offline.
Check-in online before you reach the airport — this is critical in case your phone dies or you face connectivity issues.
Have a backup plan: if you don’t have a smartphone or your device runs out of battery, you should still be covered provided you checked in online. Airport staff will assist, though you may face extra steps.
Arrive early, especially if you’re less familiar with digital check-in or using mobile boarding passes for the first time.
If you booked through an agent or third-party site, ensure your booking is linked to your Ryanair profile and that you can access the pass via the app.
Criticisms & Passenger Concerns
The move has raised some push-back. Critics point out:
- Not all passengers are comfortable with smartphone apps, especially older travellers or those less tech-savvy.
- What happens if your battery dies or you lose your phone? Ryanair indicates that as long as you’ve checked-in and the system has your details, you’ll still be assisted.
- Some consumer-advocacy groups suggest this could disadvantage people without smartphones or reliable digital access.
- Certain airports still require paper boarding passes due to local regulation, so the transition isn’t uniform worldwide.
Industry Impact & What It Signals
Ryanair claims to be the first major airline to go completely paperless with boarding passes. This step may set a new standard for the industry and push other carriers to accelerate their own digital transformation.
Beyond boarding passes, the trend suggests aviation is heading toward more integrated travel-apps, digital credentials, and fewer physical documents. For travellers, this means adapting to new habits — but also enjoying faster, more connected journey experiences.
Final Take
For travellers flying with Ryanair after November 12, the message is clear: your boarding pass must live in the app. The airline’s push toward paperless boarding marks a major shift in how low-cost carriers operate. If you’re booked on a Ryanair flight, take a few minutes now to download the app, check-in online, and save your digital pass. It could save you stress — and help the planet.
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