Ryanair has confirmed that paper boarding passes are to be scrapped in 2025 in a move that could frustrate thousands of its passengers.
The airline’s boss Michael O’Leary confirmed that they would phase out the physical passes by -next May, adding that as many as 60 percent currently use mobile passes.
Currently, British tourists can get a boarding pass at the airport with the airline. However, passengers are charged £55 if they forget to check in and download their boarding passes before arriving at the airport.
The new rules would mean there would be no option to check in at the airport at all, with the desks scrapped.
Mr O’Leary said: “Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters.
“Everything will be managed through the app, making the process fully digital and eliminating paper entirely.”
As a result, the £55 fee would also be scrapped.
He added: “I’m one of the last remaining people still showing up with my piece of paper It also means, once we get everybody onto the app, nobody will ever again pay for a boarding pass at an airport – the airport check-in fee will be gone.
“So, I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody.”
However, some countries including Morocco and Turkey still require a physical print out of the boarding pass, so it is unclear how this will impact passengers who forget to print one.
The Ryanair website currently states: “If you depart from a Moroccan airport, a digital boarding pass will not be accepted. You must carry a physical printout of your boarding pass, and you’ll need to present this boarding pass at the Moroccan airport check-in facility.”
The new change follows moves already made by the airline this week to increase their luggage fees, which has left some furious passengers vowing to “never use [Ryanair] again”.
The airline previously charged up to £38 for anyone booking Priority upgrades at the airport, which come with a 10kg suitcase and hand luggage bag. New rules could see passengers charged up to £60 if adding this after booking flights or at the airport.
A spokesperson said the fees depend on the route and travel dates selected.
Earlier this year, the Ryanair boss warned flight prices will soar this Christmas due to passenger caps at Dublin airport.
Previous Ryanair plans included paying £1 to use the onboard toilets and even proposed standing cabins and scrapped armrests to reduce the weight of the plane and save the airline money.
