The budget airline will implement the new rule from November 12
Ryanair will bring in a major change from Wednesday (November 12) in a move aimed at improving its airport experience for passengers. The change – which will see the airline adopt 100% Digital Boarding Passes (DBP) – means travellers will no longer be able to download or print a physical paper ticket, and must instead access it in their Ryanair App.
This scheme, initially scheduled for May 2025, intends to eliminate check-in charges, save around 300 tonnes of paper each year, and provide travellers with direct flight updates. The budget airline claimed that almost 80% of its over 207 million annual passengers have already adapted to the transition.
In an update last week Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, explained: “While over 80% of passengers already use Digital Boarding Passes, and therefore won’t be affected by this progressive change, we remind the small number of passengers who still print boarding passes to download the myRyanair app ahead of the move to 100% digital boarding passes from Wednesday, 12 November.
“Moving fully digital means a faster, smarter, and greener experience for passengers, whilst also providing easier access to a range of innovative in-app features, including ‘Order to Seat’, live flight information and direct updates during disruption. We look forward to delivering an enhanced travel experience for 100% of our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class myRyanair app.”
If you’re worried about the practicalities of Ryanair’s change, look no further. Below, the Mirror has explored all the essential details you need to know before November 12, including instructions on check-in and accessing your DBPs.
1. What is a DBP, and how do I get one?
A DBP, or Digital Boarding Pass, is the electronic ticket you receive after checking in with Ryanair. Starting from November 12, passengers will be required to use a DBP rather than a physical ticket to board a Ryanair flight.
Passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or through the Ryanair App, available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. To avoid additional fees, travellers should complete this step before arriving at the airport.
After checking in, a DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App. You will need to present this at airport security and the boarding gate before your flight.
However, please note that for flights from Morocco on or after November 12, passengers must check in online as usual and then present their DBP at the airport to receive a printed boarding pass. This physical boarding pass must then be shown to board flights.
Besides displaying your DBP, the Ryanair App also offers several other features that may be useful before boarding. According to the airline’s website, this includes the following:
- Order to seat abilities: Place food and drink orders via your phone to receive priority service.
- Live flight information: Get real-time updates on boarding, gate changes, and delays.
- Direct updates: Receive instant notifications from Ryanair’s operations centre during disruptions.
- Alternative flight options: Access real-time information on alternative flights during disruptions.
- Travel documents: View all your travel documents in one easy-to-access location.
2. What happens if my phone dies or I lose it before boarding?
Losing your mobile can be very stressful, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary reassures that it won’t stop you from boarding your flight. In a previous interview on The Independent’s daily travel podcast, he said: “The big concern that people have is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or what if I lose my phone?’
“…If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you’ve checked in before you got to the airport, we’ll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge.”
O’Leary also mentioned that if a mobile device has run out of power, staff will have each traveller’s ‘sequence number’ at the departure gate. Therefore, passengers can still board without it, so there’s no need to worry.
Advice on Ryanair’s website mirrors this, adding: “If you have already checked in online and you lose your smartphone or tablet (or it dies), your details are already on our system and you will be assisted at the gate.”
After completing the online check-in, your DBP can be accessed offline through the Ryanair App. This means there’s no need for Wi-Fi or mobile data to view it.
3. What if I don’t check in online before arriving at the airport?
All Ryanair travellers should get reminders to check in online 24 to 48 hours prior to their flight departure. If they do not check in before arriving at the airport, they will be required to pay a fee.
Currently, the fee is £55/€55 per passenger for the majority of flights. However, passengers departing from Spain are required to pay £30/€30, while those leaving Austria will be charged £40/€40.
Ryanair’s website adds: “The fee is charged per passenger and per sector.”
For further details about the upcoming changes, please visit Ryanair’s website here.