Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, will introduce a groundbreaking change to air travel starting 12 November 2025. From that date, passengers must use smartphone boarding passes through the airline’s “myRyanair” app. The move eliminates the option to download and print a paper boarding pass at home, signaling a complete shift toward digital solutions.
The airline already records that more than 80% of its travelers prefer mobile boarding passes. This new policy aims to capture the remaining share while simplifying processes, cutting paper waste, and aligning with sustainability goals. Ryanair emphasizes that the change creates a faster, smarter, and greener way to fly across Europe.
How the Current Boarding System Works
Today, passengers check in online at least two hours before departure. They can then either print a paper boarding pass on A4 paper or download a digital version to their smartphone. While this flexibility caters to both tech-savvy and traditional travelers, it also creates inefficiencies. Paper passes often get lost or damaged, and queues for re-issuing printed versions slow down airport operations.
Ryanair’s digital-only system removes the need for home-printed passes. Instead, the app will generate a secure QR code that travelers present at the gate. The airline argues this process reduces waiting times and enhances accuracy at check-in and boarding.
What Changes on 12 November 2025
From the official rollout date, Ryanair will only accept digital boarding passes created through its app. Passengers who forget or cannot access the app will still have one fallback: airport staff can print a paper boarding pass at no extra cost. However, this option exists solely as a backup rather than a regular feature.
The change places emphasis on smartphone readiness. Travelers should download the app, check in as early as possible, and confirm their boarding pass is available before heading to the airport.
Why Ryanair Is Making This Move
The airline has outlined three main reasons for its digital transition:
- Efficiency – Digital passes allow real-time updates on boarding times, gate changes, and flight delays. At Brno airport earlier this year, passengers received immediate notifications about disruptions, proving the system’s effectiveness.
- Sustainability – By eliminating millions of paper passes each year, Ryanair reduces waste and strengthens its green initiatives. This policy fits with broader environmental goals within the aviation sector.
- Modernization – Other industries such as music festivals, sports events, and theaters already use digital-only ticketing. Ryanair believes air travel should follow the same streamlined approach.
Addressing Passenger Concerns
Ryanair acknowledges that some travelers may feel anxious about the shift, particularly those without smartphones. To ease concerns, the airline offers several solutions:
- No smartphone? Passengers can ask a family member or friend to download the pass on their behalf. If that is not possible, airport staff will assist by confirming check-in and printing a pass.
- Phone lost or battery dead? Travelers who have already checked in can request a replacement paper pass free of charge at the airport. Staff can also retrieve boarding details using the booking reference or sequence number.
- Countries requiring paper passes: In destinations like Morocco, where government rules mandate paper boarding passes, Ryanair will provide printed passes at the check-in desk.
These safety nets demonstrate Ryanair’s attempt to balance innovation with inclusivity.
The Broader Impact on Travelers
For the majority who already use mobile passes, the change will feel seamless. However, the airline encourages all passengers to prepare for a fully digital experience by familiarizing themselves with the app’s features. The app not only delivers boarding passes but also stores flight itineraries, baggage details, and travel alerts, giving passengers a centralized digital hub.
For frequent fliers, the benefits include faster boarding, fewer queues, and reduced paperwork. For Ryanair, the shift saves resources, improves operational speed, and strengthens its reputation as a forward-thinking carrier.
Challenges During the Rollout
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has admitted that some initial challenges may arise. Travelers who resist technology or forget to download the app might face confusion at airports. However, the airline remains confident that staff support and backup systems will resolve these issues quickly.
The company also highlights concerns over online travel agents (OTAs). Some agents have provided Ryanair with incorrect or incomplete passenger details, leading to complications at check-in. To prevent problems, Ryanair advises passengers booking through third-party websites to double-check their information in the “myRyanair” app before traveling.
A Step Toward the Future of Air Travel
This move marks more than just a policy update—it represents the evolution of air travel across Europe. Airlines globally continue to experiment with digital innovation, but Ryanair’s full commitment to mobile passes sets a strong precedent.
By November 2025, boarding a Ryanair flight will mean traveling lighter, with only a smartphone in hand. For millions of passengers, that convenience promises a smoother journey. For the airline, it means reaching closer to its vision of an eco-friendly, tech-driven future.
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