Ryanair’s major boarding pass change – everything you need to know | UK | News
Ryanair is preparing to implement a major update to its ticketing system from 12 November. After this date, the airline will issue ‘100% Digital Boarding Passes’ (DBP) and physical tickets will generally not be accepted at most airports.
Originally planned for May 2025, the initiative aims to save approximately 300 tonnes of paper annually by eliminating certain fees, as well as providing passengers with direct flight updates.
Now The Express has outlined three key questions and answers about the new programme, based on official information from Ryanair. You can also find more information about boarding pass replacement at: The airline’s website is here.
1. How can I get a digital boarding pass?
Passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or via the Ryanair App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Express advises passengers to complete this process before arriving at the airport to avoid additional fees.
A DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App upon check-in. This document must be presented at airport security and at the boarding gate before your flight.
The affordable airline stated that this method is ‘faster, easier’ and provides ‘less stress’ compared to using paper tickets.
2. What happens if my phone breaks or I lose it before boarding the plane?
Losing your mobile phone can be incredibly stressful, but Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary has told passengers it won’t stop them from boarding the plane.
in a conversation The Independent’s daily travel podcast“People’s biggest concern is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or my phone?’
“…If you lose your phone, no problem. As long as you check in before arriving at the airport, we will reissue your paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge.”
Mr O’Leary also highlighted that airport staff will still be able to access the ‘queue number’ of each passenger at the departure gate, even if your device’s battery is dead. This means passengers should still be allowed to board without their phones, so ‘no one should worry’.
Advice on Ryanair’s website reflects this, adding: “If you have checked in online and you lose (or die) your smartphone or tablet, your information is already in our system and you will be assisted at the gate.”
3. What if airport Wi-Fi is weak or there is no mobile data?
Ryanair has confirmed that once passengers have completed their online check-in, their DBP will be accessible offline via the Ryanair App. But the website guidance emphasizes: “All Ryanair passengers will continue to receive email reminders to check in online between 48 and 24 hours before departure.
“If any passengers arrive at the airport but have not checked in online (ignored these reminders), they will still need to pay the airport check-in fee.”
The fare is currently set at £55/€55 per passenger for most flights. However, passengers flying out of Spain will have to pay £30/€30, while passengers departing from Austria will be charged £40/€40.
