Three key questions answered as Ryanair makes major ticket change | UK | News
Ryanair will make a significant change to its ticketing system from 12 November. From this date, the airline will only issue ‘100% Digital Boarding Passes’ (DBP) and physical tickets will no longer be accepted at most airports.
This plan, originally planned for May 2025, aims to stop check-in fees and save around 300 tonnes of paper per year ensuring passengers receive direct updates about flights. But if you’re worried about its practicality, look no further.
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?
Ryanair passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or via the Ryanair App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. To avoid additional fees, passengers must complete this process before arriving at the airport.
A DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App upon check-in. You must present this to airport security and 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?
Misplacing your mobile phone can be incredibly stressful, but it won’t stop you from getting on a plane, according to Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.
During a previous interview The Independent’s daily travel podcasthe explained: “People’s biggest concern is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or if I lose 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.”
O’Leary also noted that in cases where a mobile phone runs out of power, staff will have each passenger’s ‘queue number’ at the departure gate. This means you can still get on board without it, 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 assured that your DBP can be accessed offline within the Ryanair App once you complete the online check-in process. However, 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.”
Currently, the fare on most flights stands at £55/€55 per passenger. However, passengers leaving Spain will need to pay £30/€30, while passengers leaving Austria will be charged £40/€40.
