Ryanair is making a significant change to its boarding process this autumn: beginning 12 November 2025, the airline will accept only digital boarding passes, and printed paper versions will no longer be valid. The introduction, initially planned for 3 November, has been postponed until after the mid-term break to allow a smoother transition during a less busy travel period.
Under the new policy, all travellers will need to check in online and generate their boarding pass via the myRyanair app. The transition aligns with the airline’s broader goals toward a more streamlined travel experience, as it is intended to accelerate efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
“Ryanair’s move to 100% digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class ‘myRyanair’ app, where passengers will also benefit from helpful in-app features, like Order to Seat and live flight information,” said Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady.
The low-cost carrier says the move will help keep fares low by eliminating nearly all check-in fees, while also cutting paper waste by around 300 tonnes annually. The airline highlights an added benefit: the ability to send real-time updates from Ryanair’s operations centre during disruptions, keeping passengers informed about their flights and bookings. Beyond generating boarding passes, the myRyanair app will now provide live flight information – including gate details, flight status, delays and direct disruption alerts.
What to do if you can’t access your digital boarding pass
While the move is expected to benefit most travellers, it might bring challenges for those who don’t have smartphones or feel uneasy using them, as well as for anyone who runs out of battery or loses internet access.
Ryanair has addressed this by stating that passengers who have already checked in online can request a free paper boarding pass at airport check-in desks. However, it will only be issued to travellers who have completed online check-in beforehand.
In Morocco, where government regulations require paper boarding passes, the airline will continue to provide printing services at the airport – again, only if the passenger has already checked in via the digital system.
Travellers preparing to fly with Ryanair after 12 November will need to ensure the myRyanair app is installed and updated, check in ahead of time, and store the boarding pass on their mobile device. If your phone fails or you cannot access your digital pass, head to the airport check-in desk and request a paper copy (free of charge, presuming online check-in was completed).
