Ryanair tries forcing app downloads by eliminating paper boarding passes

Starting November 12, Ryanair will transition to a completely digital boarding pass system, eliminating the option for paper passes. This move was initially announced in February and has faced delays, but now Europe’s largest airline is set on enforcing this change. To board their flights, passengers will be required to download the Ryanair mobile app. CEO Michael O’Leary emphasized this shift, stating, "Almost 100 percent of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto that smartphone technology." Travelers are urged to check in online through the app or the airline's website prior to arriving at the airport. Those who fail to do so will incur a hefty check-in fee charged by the airport, currently set at £55 (approximately $72). O’Leary further clarified that passengers are informed about the check-in process via SMS and email reminders sent 48 and 24 hours before their flight. He remarked that those arriving at the airport without prior check-in are either misinformed or disregarded the instructions provided. Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, highlighted that eliminating paper boarding passes would contribute to a travel experience that is "faster, smarter, and greener." With nearly 80 percent of the airline's more than 206 million passengers already utilizing digital boarding passes, this move aligns Ryanair with other industries that have successfully adopted digital-only ticketing, such as music festivals and sports events.