From today, Ryanair passengers will no longer be allowed to travel with a printed boarding pass — the airline’s shift to fully digital boarding passes takes effect 12 November 2025. This marks a major transition in how travellers flying with Ireland’s largest low-cost carrier will check-in and board.
From the effective date, all passengers must check-in online either via the Ryanair website or, more commonly, the myRyanair app, and generate a digital boarding pass which will appear within the app. Print-at-home boarding passes will not be accepted. The airline says this move will cut airport costs, streamline service (especially in disruption), and reduce paper waste — estimating elimination of around 300 tonnes of paper annually.
Ryanair states that the majority of its passengers already use the app and digital boarding passes — it estimates around 80-90 per cent adoption. The move is aimed at making travel “faster, smarter and greener” and enabling richer in-app features — such as live flight updates, gate changes and mobile food orders.
If you’re flying with Ryanair, there are some practical pointers to avoid a check-in nightmare. Download or update the myRyanair app in advance and make sure your flight booking is visible so you can check-in. Check-in online within the timing specified so your boarding pass appears in the app. Charge your phone before travel, because the boarding pass lives only in your mobile app and a dead battery or malfunctioning device could cause delays. Use WiFi or mobile data to ensure the app has refreshed and your boarding pass is loaded before arriving at the airport.
If you do not own a smartphone or tablet, it’s advised to arrive early and visit the check-in desk. Ryanair says that if you have already checked in online but have no device, you will be issued a paper boarding pass free of charge. If your phone dies or is lost after check-in, the airline says you will still be able to board, as your booking details are stored in the system and staff can assist you at the gate. Passengers should also remember to arrive with a photo ID and any required travel documentation, as the digital boarding pass alone doesn’t replace identity or visa checks. However, if you haven’t checked in online and arrive at the airport needing check-in help, you may face additional fees or delays.
This change has raised questions about accessibility for some passengers. Many older travellers or those without smartphones might feel left behind by the digital-only boarding pass regime. Concerns include lack of device, limited mobile data, no WiFi access at the airport, or simple discomfort with technology. Ryanair has sought to reassure customers that if they don’t have a smartphone or can’t access the app, they will still be assisted at check-in or at the gate, provided they have completed the online check-in step. Still, the smoother journey will depend on arriving informed and prepared.
For Irish travellers, especially those flying from Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airport, this shift means no more printed boarding passes at home or on arrival. While the airline has contingency measures for passengers who struggle with technology, the key takeaway is simple: get online, get sorted and get to the airport with your digital boarding pass loaded in the app. That way, you’ll avoid delays and ensure your journey starts with confidence rather than worry.
