Budget carrier Ryanair has announced that from Wednesday 12 November 2025 it will no longer issue or accept printed boarding passes for most routes. Instead, all passengers must check in online and obtain a digital boarding pass (DBP) via the myRyanair mobile app. This marks a major shift in how the airline handles travel documentation.
The airline says almost 80 per cent of its annual passengers already use the digital boarding pass option. The change aims to deliver faster and smarter travel, while reducing paper waste.
What’s Changing and Why
From 12 Nov passengers must generate their boarding pass in the app. No paper at check-in or home printouts will be accepted for most flights.
Ryanair lists several key benefits:
- Instant access to boarding pass within the app;
- Live flight information and gate updates;
- In-app convenience features like “Order to Seat” (food & drinks service) and disruption alerts;
- Environmental gains from cutting approximately 300 tonnes of paper annually.
These changes reflect the airline’s push to modernise operations and reduce reliance on physical tickets.
How to Prepare as a Traveller
To ensure a smooth experience:
- Download the myRyanair app well before travel.
- Complete online check-in in good time (48-24 hrs ahead).
- Ensure your smartphone is charged and has access to the boarding pass.
- If you arrive without a digital boarding pass because you did not check in online, standard airport check-in fees may apply.
- For passengers without a smartphone or whose battery dies: you are still able to board. Once you have checked in online, a printed boarding pass may be issued at the gate or check-in desk at no extra cost.
Exceptions and Support for Those Without Smartphones
While the digital-only policy applies to most destinations, some airports and countries still require a printed pass due to local regulations. For example, flights from or to Morocco may still involve issuance of a paper pass after showing the digital version.
For travellers without devices: as long as you’ve checked in online, the airline will assist you with a printed pass at no charge. However, you may not receive the enhanced app features like live updates or “Order to Seat” service.
Check-in desks and agent assistance remain available for those needing help.
Implications for Travel & Sustainability
Ryanair says ditching paper boarding passes reduces airport costs and lower fares for passengers. It also enhances operational agility during flight disruptions through real-time updates and alternative flight options in the app. The move supports the airline’s sustainability agenda by eliminating large volumes of paper waste.
This step positions Ryanair among the first major carriers in Europe to adopt a fully digital boarding pass policy. It also aligns with broader aerospace industry trends toward digital travel credentials and biometric identification.
What This Means for You
If you are booked on a Ryanair flight after 12 November, you must use the app for check-in and boarding. Failure to do so could result in fees or boarding delays.
Even if you usually print your boarding pass at home or at the airport kiosk, you’ll need to adapt to using your mobile device. Travellers should ensure they are comfortable with the app and digital process ahead of departure.
By making this switch now, you can benefit from a smoother boarding experience, fewer queues, and less physical paperwork. It’s worthwhile to familiarise yourself with the new process, especially if you’re part of a group or travelling with someone less tech-savvy.
Final Word
Ryanair’s move to 100 % digital boarding passes from 12 November is a bold step toward paperless air travel. It offers convenience, cost savings, and a greener footprint—but it also demands preparation. Make sure your check-in is done, your app is working, and your phone is ready. The future of travel is digital—and it starts now.
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