Ryanair has officially implemented its controversial move to digital-only boarding passes, marking the end of an era for printed travel documents. The change, which came into effect on November 12, 2025, requires all passengers to use the Ryanair app for their boarding passes, sparking a mix of concern and acceptance among the airline's customer base.
What is Ryanair's New Boarding Pass Rule?
From today, November 12, 2025, Ryanair passengers can no longer use a printed boarding pass. The Irish low-cost carrier has fully transitioned to a paperless system, meaning the familiar process of downloading and printing a ticket at home is now obsolete.
Instead, travellers must use the digital boarding pass generated through the Ryanair app after completing online check-in. The airline's CEO, Michael O'Leary, stated that between 85% and 90% of its 200 million annual customers already use this method. For those who haven't adapted, this means completing check-in before arriving at the airport is now essential.
Exceptions and Implementation Details
The airline had initially planned to introduce this system on November 3 but settled on November 12 after Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, explained it was a quieter travel period. However, there are two notable exceptions to this new digital mandate.
Passengers flying to Albania will still need to present paper boarding passes until March 2026, as required by local authorities. Similarly, flights to Morocco will also require physical passes, as the country has not aligned its regulations with Ryanair's new policy. O'Leary has confirmed the airline will accommodate these exceptions.
Addressing Passenger Concerns and Alternatives
Michael O'Leary has sought to reassure passengers worried about technical issues. He advised that alternatives are available for those whose phones run out of battery or are lost.
'If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you've checked in before you got to the airport, we'll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge,' he told The Independent's travel podcast. 'If your battery dies or something happens, once you've checked in, we'll have your sequence number anyway at the boarding gate, we'll take you, you'll get on. Nobody should worry about it.'
The critical requirement is that passengers must check in online before arriving at the airport to be eligible for these alternatives. Last-minute check-ins at the airport could jeopardise boarding.
Mixed Reactions from Travellers
The policy shift has generated significant debate online, with some passengers calling it discriminatory. On X (formerly Twitter), user @ThornieKate described it as 'age discrimination,' while @StayInRunswick highlighted the challenge for older travellers who may not own smartphones.
@JeniHooper called the process a 'nightmare', citing difficulties with technology and online forms. Following the initial announcement, Metro readers expressed fury, with some, like Youssef Ka and Raymond Skinner, urging a boycott of the airline in favour of competitors like easyJet and Jet2.
However, many frequent flyers were unfazed. Commenter Abhaya Ferdo Fulgosi noted, 'What seems to be the problem!? I haven't had a paper pass in over five years!' while Ian Scott simply advised others to 'Grow up, it's so easy to use the app on your phone.'
For passengers without smartphones, Ryanair recommends using a friend's or family member's device to download the digital boarding pass, ensuring they too can navigate the new paperless system.
