Key Highlights
- Ryanair implements new smartphone boarding pass system as of 12 November 2025.
- 98% of passengers are using digital boarding passes by the first day.
- Beryl and Mick, two older passengers, navigate the change with assistance from a travel agent.
- Ryanair claims the policy will save around £100k per day, potentially leading to fare reductions.
Ryanair’s Digital Boarding Pass Initiative
On November 12, 2025, Ryanair embarked on a significant shift in its customer service model by discontinuing the use of paper boarding passes. The airline introduced a new system that mandates passengers to either present digital boarding passes via their smartphones or request an airport-printed one free of charge.
New System and Initial Response
According to Simon Calder, a travel correspondent for The Independent, by 1pm on Wednesday, Ryanair was reporting that 98% of passengers were successfully using digital boarding passes. This rapid adoption suggests that the majority of travelers are adapting well to the new system.
Challenges and Workarounds
Beryl and Mick, two seasoned travelers from East Anglia, faced challenges with the new policy. “We’re not so good on smartphones,” Beryl admitted. Despite their technological limitations, they found a workaround through the assistance of Jo at Hays Travel in Norwich.
Workaround Solutions
Joyce, known as ‘Jo,’ checks Beryl and Mick into their online flights using their mobile phones. At the airport, Mick simply needs to open the app, tap “Boarding Passes,” and proceed through security. This seamless process allows them to avoid the hassle of traditional paper boarding passes.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
The move by Ryanair could signal a broader trend in the airline industry as technology continues to evolve. Mick expressed his thoughts on the matter: “I think they probably will do it, whether they should or not, I don’t know.” This sentiment reflects the wider debate around digital transformation in aviation.
Competition and Customer Flexibility
Ryanair’s decision does not force customers to stick with their services. Competitors like Jet2 are planning to enter the market, providing an alternative for travelers who prefer a more traditional approach or simply dislike using apps. This competition is expected to drive innovation and possibly lower fares.
Conclusion
The implementation of digital boarding passes marks a significant step in Ryanair’s push towards modernizing its customer experience. While it poses challenges for some older travelers, the overall response suggests that many are embracing the change. As technology continues to advance, this move by Ryanair may set a precedent for other airlines in their efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs.
