Ryanair has implemented new boarding regulations starting today, cautioning British travelers to be mindful and avoid facing a substantial penalty. The airline has fully transitioned to digital boarding passes, eliminating the option for passengers to download and print their tickets before reaching the airport. Previously, this method was utilized by 20% of Ryanair travelers. Desks at airport check-in counters no longer provide printing services, which previously incurred a £55 charge. Passengers who arrive at the airport without their digital boarding pass are likely to face a similar fee.
Ryanair has mentioned that passengers who have already checked in online and lose their smartphone or tablet will receive a complimentary boarding pass at the airport. However, those who fail to check in online before arriving may be subject to a £55 late-check-in fee. Concerns have been raised regarding older passengers or individuals who are not proficient in using mobile devices, as statistics show that around 2.06 million Brits over the age of 55 do not own smartphones, constituting approximately 10% of that age bracket.
Under the new policy, customers must utilize the digital boarding pass generated through the myRyanair app post-check-in. Ryanair reported that 206 million passengers already use digital boarding passes, potentially impacting about 40 million journeys. Despite criticism and accusations of ageism from various groups, Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, defended the decision, highlighting that even his 86-year-old mother uses the airline’s app for travel.
Mr. O’Leary assured flexibility for concerned passengers, stating that individuals arriving with paper boarding passes during the Christmas season and into January will be accommodated. He emphasized that as long as passengers check in online beforehand, they will not encounter any issues even if they lose their mobile device. The shift to digital boarding passes was delayed by a week to November 12 to avoid conflicting with the UK and Irish half-term holidays.
Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, emphasized that the transition to 100% digital boarding passes aims to enhance the travel experience for customers, providing a faster, smarter, and more environmentally friendly process. The airline anticipates a seamless switch facilitated by the myRyanair app, offering additional in-app features for passengers’ convenience.
