Ryanair, Europe’s biggest budget airline, has officially gone 100% digital, ending paper boarding passes for all passengers as of November 12, 2025. This bold move marks a new era in low-cost air travel, one driven by efficiency, sustainability, and technology. But not everyone is cheering.
The Full Digital Shift
Passengers now must check in 24 to 60 hours before their flight and access their boarding passes via the myRyanair app, which works offline once downloaded. This new rule applies to all 2,000+ routes, except for Morocco, where printed passes remain legally required.
Ryanair says the change will save 300 tons of paper annually, equal to over a million trees, and speed up boarding by nearly 30%. The company also expects smoother airport operations with fewer queues and faster passenger verification.
How It Works
To fly, travelers need to install or update the myRyanair app and log in using their booking details. After online check-in, a QR-coded digital boarding pass appears in the app’s “My Trips” section. This pass can also be added to Apple or Google Wallet and remains accessible even without internet at the airport.
The airline recommends keeping devices charged, taking screenshots for backup, and using a power bank. If a passenger’s phone fails, Ryanair staff can confirm bookings using ID at the gate.
A Push for Sustainability
Ryanair says this policy is part of its net-zero emissions pledge by 2050, aligning with EU environmental goals. The digital transition not only reduces waste but also trims operational costs and carbon output from aircraft idling time.
CEO Michael O’Leary called it a “natural next step” in Ryanair’s tech evolution, highlighting that over 80% of travelers were already using digital boarding passes before the full rollout.
Critics Warn of Digital Divide
Still, critics argue the change could disadvantage elderly and non-tech users. Consumer advocacy groups in Germany and the UK say it risks excluding people without smartphones or digital literacy.
For now, Ryanair offers free airport reprints for those who have already checked in online, preventing passengers from being stranded. However, anyone skipping online check-in entirely will face a €55 airport check-in fee.
Industry-Wide Implications
The move sets Ryanair apart from competitors like EasyJet and British Airways, which still offer paper options. A 2025 Skift Aviation analysis notes Ryanair’s approach could accelerate industry-wide adoption of digital-only boarding within five years.
As the debate continues, Ryanair remains firm in its vision of “a faster, smarter, and greener” flying experience. Whether travelers embrace or resist, one thing is certain: the age of paperless air travel has officially taken off.
