Ryanair is set to shake up the way passengers board their flights, with a significant change expected this summer. Michael O'Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, has announced plans to introduce fully digital boarding passes by 2025, with the new system likely to be implemented as early as May.
In line with this digital shift, the airline is also looking to eliminate airport check-in desks. Travel expert Eoghan Corry has warned that these changes will greatly affect travellers this summer.
Speaking to RSVP Live, he said: "There is one very big rule change and it's to do with boarding passes. Ryanair said they're not going to take printed boarding passes this summer."
He added, "I'm not sure what will happen. There will be absolute havoc when that takes effect."
Corry highlighted the potential chaos, explaining, "There are a lot of people still turning up with boarding passes. Ryanair says it's a very small proportion, less than 20%, but it's still 20%. So when they say no more printed boarding passes, there is going to be havoc.", reports RSVP Live.
The current guidance on Ryanair's website states: "You can access your boarding pass on the Ryanair App once you have checked in. You do not need to print your boarding pass once you have access to the Ryanair App unless you are departing from a Moroccan airport."
It also warns, "If you do not have access to a printer, we can print it for you at the check-in desk, but you will be charged a boarding card reissue fee for each passenger. See our Table of Fees."
Ryanair's Table of Fees outlines various charges including a €20 fee for re-issuing boarding cards and an airport check-in fee listed at €55, or alternatively €30 when flying from Spain. This check-in charge applies to each passenger and for every individual flight segment.
However, for Flexi Plus passengers or Plus passengers who have made bookings post 11 December 2019, this service comes without charge. To obtain a digital boarding pass, travellers are instructed to use either the Ryanair.com website or the airline's mobile app.
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The website details the process: "Once you are logged in, select check-in and enter your travel document details."
Further instructions underscore the importance of personal completion of the check-in procedure, as stated on the website: "For your safety and security, and for the safety and security of your fellow passengers and our crew, the check-in process must be completed by you personally, by a passenger on your booking, or by an individual with personal knowledge of you and of the contents of your luggage."
This step ensures adherence to safety and health protocols mandated by authorities such as ICAO Technical Instructions, Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, and the EASA/ECDC Covid-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol. More updates regarding changes to boarding pass procedures are anticipated from Ryanair.
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English (United States) ·