Ryanair Phases Out Paper Boarding Passes to Boost Mobile App Usage

Starting November 12, Ryanair will eliminate traditional paper boarding passes, pushing passengers to use its mobile app for travel documentation. This shift aims to streamline check-in processes and embrace digital convenience.

Initially announced in February and delayed from earlier plans, this move makes Ryanair the latest European airline to go fully digital. Passengers will no longer be able to print boarding passes at home; instead, they must download the airline’s app to access their flight details.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary emphasizes the widespread smartphone use among travelers, stating, “Nearly 100 percent of passengers own smartphones, and we want everyone to adopt this technology for a smoother experience.” Experts note that digital boarding passes reduce paper waste and speed up boarding, aligning with broader trends toward eco-friendly travel and digital transformation in aviation.

David Nield
David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.