Ryanair has ignited a firestorm of controversy with its decision to eliminate paper boarding passes entirely, forcing millions of passengers to adopt a digital-only system starting November 2025. The low-cost carrier’s bold move positions it as Europe’s first major airline to completely abandon traditional ticketing methods.
Ryanair Paper Boarding Passes Elimination Timeline
The airline confirmed the permanent removal of Ryanair paper boarding passes effective November 12, 2025. Consequently, all 40 million annual passengers must transition to using the Ryanair smartphone application. The carrier originally planned this shift during summer 2025 but delayed implementation due to concerns about peak travel season confusion.
Elderly Travelers Face Digital Discrimination
Campaign groups have condemned the Ryanair paper boarding passes ban as discriminatory against older customers. Silver Voices, an over-60s lobby group, branded the policy “disgraceful” and warned it would isolate millions lacking digital skills or smartphones. Director Dennis Reed stated: “They are effectively saying they don’t want older people as passengers.”
Key concerns include:
- 4 million UK residents have never used the internet
- Many elderly travelers lack modern Android or Apple devices
- Potential chaos at airports when passengers arrive without the app
- No clear alternative for technology-challenged customers
Ryanair Defends Digital-Only Strategy
The airline vigorously defends its decision to eliminate Ryanair paper boarding passes, citing environmental and efficiency benefits. Michael O’Leary’s carrier claims the move will:
- Reduce annual waste by 300 tonnes
- Lower airport check-in fees significantly
- Create faster boarding processes
- Improve accessibility for visually impaired passengers through screen readers
Ryanair emphasizes that approximately 80% of passengers already use their digital app. Additionally, the airline promises free assistance from airport staff for passengers who lose their phones or experience battery failure after check-in.
Industry Comparison: Ryanair Stands Alone
Ryanair becomes the pioneering European carrier to completely ban Ryanair paper boarding passes. Major competitors including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air, and TUI continue offering printed ticket options. This strategic differentiation could potentially reshape customer demographics across the airline industry.
Consumer Backlash and Boycott Threats
Critics accuse Ryanair of prioritizing cost-cutting over customer care. Silver Voices director Dennis Reed announced his personal boycott of the airline and urged others to follow. Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams emphasized: “There should always be an alternative way of booking and showing tickets that does not disadvantage those who aren’t online.”
FAQs: Ryanair Paper Boarding Passes Ban
When does the Ryanair paper boarding pass ban take effect?
The digital-only policy begins November 12, 2025. After this date, Ryanair will no longer accept paper boarding passes at any airport.
What happens if I don’t have a smartphone?
Ryanair states airport staff will assist passengers without smartphones free of charge. However, specific procedures for non-digital customers remain unclear.
Are other airlines banning paper boarding passes?
Currently, Ryanair stands alone among major European carriers. Competitors including British Airways and easyJet continue offering paper boarding pass options.
How will elderly passengers be affected?
Campaign groups estimate millions of older travelers may face exclusion due to lack of digital skills or smartphone access, potentially constituting age discrimination.
What are Ryanair’s reasons for this change?
The airline cites environmental benefits (300 tonnes less waste annually), cost reduction, and improved efficiency as primary motivations for eliminating paper boarding passes.
Can I still print my boarding pass at the airport?
Ryanair confirms it will completely eliminate paper boarding pass options, including airport printing services, from November 2025 onward.
