Budget airline Ryanair to scrap the option for passengers to print out and use a paper boarding pass
12:58, 06 Nov 2025Updated 12:59, 06 Nov 2025
Ryanair is pressing ahead with a big change to aircraft boarding by going 100% digital (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Ryanair passengers will be forced to use digital boarding passes only from next week.
The budget airline issued update to remind customers, ahead of the big change from Wednesday November 12. From that date, passengers will no longer be able to download and print a physical paper boarding pass.
Instead, they will have to use the digital boarding pass generated in the “myRyanair” app on their mobile device – smartphone or tablet – during check-in process to board any of its flights.
Ryanair insisted the “vast majority” of people already use digital boarding in this way, adding that nearly 80% of its more than 207 million passengers annually did so. But that still means that around 40 million passengers who prefer other methods, including printing their pass, will be impacted.
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, said: “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.”
Ryanair insisted the move would mean lower airport costs and so fares for all Ryanair passengers, as well as saving 300 tonnes of paper annually.
But it has already had to reassurance customers who fear they will be caught out. For instance, it says that if passengers lose their smartphone or tablet they can get a free boarding pass at the airport, but assuming they have already checked-in to their flight online. The same is true if their battery runs out before they get through airport security, it says, while if it packs up before boarding then they “will be assisted at the gate.”
Then there is the question of what happens if a customer does not have a smartphone with the Ryanair app. The airline says: “If passengers don’t have a smartphone or tablet, as long as they have already checked-in online before arriving at the airport, they will receive a free of charge boarding pass at the airport.”
Ryanair added that, as long as passengers have checked-in online, the digital boarding pass will be available regardless of whether they have a mobile signal or not.
This week voters across California received a suspicious text message saying they’d failed to turn in their ballots for the Nov. 4 statewide special election on redistricting.
The message may appear official. It includes the voter’s name and address and links to an official website providing information on early voting and vote-by-mall ballot drop-off locations.
But it’s not from the state, and officials urge caution.
The office of the California secretary of state received numerous reports from voters of “inaccurate text messages from Ballot Now,” according to a news release.
“This has caused voters to believe their returned ballots have not been received or processed by county elections officials,” Shirley Weber, secretary of state, stated in the release. “Let me be clear: Ballot Now is not in any way affiliated with the California Office of the Secretary of State.”
Weber’s office told The Times it doesn’t know the intent behind the Ballot Now text messages, and “we are trying to get to the bottom of it.”
Ballot Now did not respond to The Times’ request for comment.
Where voters can get trustworthy answers to their elections questions
Voters can find accurate information on elections and voting at the state secretary’s website or at their county election office. The secretary’s website includes the complete list of county election offices.
Questions that the secretary of state’s website can assist with include:
How do I check my voter status? By entering some personal information, you can see if you are registered to vote, where you’re registered, and check that your political party and language preference are correct at the website’s voter status page.
How do I track my ballot? You can sign up to track your ballot through the state’s online site Ballottrax.
By signing up on Ballottrax, voters receive automatic updates when their county elections office: mails their ballot to them, receives their ballot, counts their ballot, or when the office has any issues with the ballot.
Updates are available in 10 languages — including Spanish, Japanese and Tagalog — and you can choose to be texted, emailed or called with voice alert updates.
If you believe you’re the victim of election fraud or have witnessed a violation of the California Elections Code, you can submit a complaint form or call the secretary of state’s office.
Fill out an online form, download a PDF version of the form and mail it, or call the office — English speakers can call (916) 657-2166 or (800) 345-8683; Spanish speakers can call (800) 232-8682.
The physical form can be mailed to the California Secretary of State Elections Division at 1500 11th St., 5th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 or faxed to (916) 653-3214.
Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to call the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder/county clerk’s call center with any questions or concerns they have, said Mike Sanchez, spokesperson for the office.
The registrar of voters can be reached at (800) 815-2666, and the number for voter center information is (800) 815-2666; choose option No. 1.
The Irish airline has decided to make a major change that will impact their passengers from 12 November onwards. Here’s everything you need to know about the new system
Passengers have been urged to familiarise themselves with Ryanair’s new policy before heading to the airport.(Image: Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Ryanair passengers have been given a last-minute warning about a major change the airline is making in a matter of days.
Passengers flying with the Irish airline any time from 12 November onwards will need to follow a new rule – and not everyone is happy about it.
The budget airline has announced it is ditching physical boarding passes and going completely digital, which means paper print-outs will be a thing of the past. Travellers will now be required to show their boarding passes through the Ryanair app.
The company hopes to cut around 300 tonnes of paper annually by switching to digital, with Ryanair CMO Dara Brady explaining the airline settled on November 12 because it’s a quieter time for travel.
However, many have expressed concern about the potential challenges for elderly passengers who might not use the internet or possess smartphones.
Ryanair’s boss, Michael O’Leary, has now sought to reassure passengers with anxieties about the compulsory smartphone boarding passes. He said: “Almost 100 per cent of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto the smartphone technology.
“The big concern that people have is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or whatever, I lose my phone?’ reports Wales Online.
“If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you’ve checked in before you get to the airport, we’ll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge. But you have to check in before you get to the airport.
“Also, if your battery dies or something happens, once you’ve checked in, we’ll have your sequence number anyway at the boarding gate, we’ll take you, you’ll get on. So nobody should worry about it.
“Just make sure you check in online before you get to the airport, and then all will be fine.”
Guidance on Ryanair’s website echoes 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.”
The website also emphasises the importance of completing their online check-in. “All Ryanair passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24hrs pre-departure.
“If any passenger arrives at the airport but hasn’t checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee.”
Currently, the fee is set at £55/€55 per passenger for most flights. However, passengers flying out of Spain are obliged to pay £30/€30, while those departing from Austria will be hit with a £40/€40 charge.
There are two exceptions to the new digital boarding pass rule; the first is passengers flying to Albania. Authorities there have insisted passengers present paper passes until March 2026, after which they’ve agreed passes can be digital.
Morocco has the same paper pass policy as Albania, however, it won’t be changing its rules to fit Ryanair’s new paperless policy. Michael O’Leary has confirmed the airline will make exceptions in this case and accept physical passes for flights to the African country.
The budget airline is making a big change to tickets at most airports
Ryanair said the change will help eliminate check-in charges(Image: rparys via Getty Images)
Ryanair is set to make a significant change to its ticketing system, effective from November 12. Starting from this date, the airline will only issue ‘100% Digital Boarding Passes’ (DBP), and physical tickets will no longer be accepted at most airports.
This scheme, initially scheduled for May 2025, seeks to help eliminate certain charges and save around 300 tonnes of paper each year, while allowing travellers to receive direct flight updates. But if you’re concerned about the practical aspects, don’t worry.
The Mirror has summarised three main questions and answers regarding the upcoming change, using official information from Ryanair. You can also learn more about the boarding pass change on the airline’s website here
1. How can I get a digital boarding pass?
Ryanair passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or via the Ryanair App, which is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The Express reports that passengers should complete this process before arriving at the airport to avoid extra charges.
After check-in, a DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App. You should present this at airport security and the boarding gate before your flight. The budget airline stated that this method is ‘quicker, easier,’ and results in ‘less stress’ compared to using paper tickets.
2. What happens if my phone dies or I lose it before boarding?
Losing your mobile phone can be a stressful experience, but according to Ryanair’s boss Michael O’Leary, it won’t stop you from catching your flight.
In a conversation on The Independent’s daily travel podcast, he explained: “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.”
Even if your mobile runs out of juice, O’Leary pointed out that staff will have each passenger’s ‘sequence number’ at the departure gate. This means you should still be able to board without it, so ‘nobody should worry’.
Guidance on Ryanair’s website echoes 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.”
3. What if the airport Wi-Fi is poor, or I have no mobile data?
Ryanair has reassured passengers that once they’ve completed online check-in, their DBP will be accessible offline within the Ryanair App. However, its website guidance emphasises: “All Ryanair passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24hrs predeparture.
“If any passenger arrives at airport but hasn’t checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee.”
Currently, the fee is set at £55/€55 per passenger for most flights. However, passengers flying out of Spain are obliged to pay £30/€30, while those departing from Austria will be hit with a £40/€40 charge.
Going through airport security can be stressful and time consuming but if you carry one item in particular it can get a whole lot worse as you risk ruining it forever
Don’t let airport checks ruin your memories (Stock Image)
A fresh wave of travellers are swapping high tech and digital devices for the nostalgic charm of disposable film cameras, creating spontaneous memories and old-school shots. However, this can all be lost by one mistake at the airport.
This summer, the trend for retro-style photos has taken off, with TikTok hashtags like #DisposableCamera and #DisposableCameraSummer garnering nearly 900,000 views combined. Meanwhile, Google searches for “disposable camera” have also reached 389,000 worldwide in just the past month.
TikTok creators have been sharing dreamy holiday photo dumps with the caption: “This is your sign to take a disposable camera on holiday this summer.” Think white sand beaches, film grain, and perfectly imperfect snapshots that feel straight out of the ’90s.
The retro use of a disposable camera on holiday is making a comeback – but beware of security checks
It’s all about capturing the moment without the pressure of perfection. The unpredictable outcome of the photos, due to not being able to check how you look and delete, delete, delete, makes them genuine moments that capture honest emotions, spontaneity, and the story behind each shot.
But not every story ends well. One TikTok video came with a warning after a traveller’s excitement turned to heartbreak when her film was ruined after going through airport security scanners. Captioned, “crashing out but lesson learned”, the video was a painful admission that her 39 grainy memories were gone forever.
It’s likely that radiation from the high-powered X-ray scanners at airport security fogged or overexposed the undeveloped film, leaving it streaked, cloudy, or completely blank.
While disposable cameras offer effortlessly cool and authentic vintage photos, all-inclusive holiday provider Travel Republic (www.travelrepublic.co.uk) warns there are some crucial dos and don’ts to keep in mind when taking one on your travels. From dodging airport X-ray damage to mastering the lighting, making the most of your analogue shots takes more than just pressing the shutter.
3 common mistakes to avoid when using a disposable camera
Putting your camera through airport X-ray scanners
Disposable cameras loaded with film are sensitive to X-rays, and newer CT scanners at many airports can be even harsher on film. These scanners emit higher doses of radiation, which can penetrate the camera casing and react with the unprocessed film inside.
Frequent exposure, especially on multi-flight trips and checked baggage scanners (which emit stronger rays), can fog or degrade your images, leaving your holiday memories blurred before you even get home.
To help prevent this, the holiday experts at Travel Republic recommend: “Rather than carrying your disposable camera in checked baggage, have it easily accessible in your hand luggage. You can also request a hand inspection at airport security instead of putting the camera through the X-ray scanners. Lead-lined film bags can also help to shield your camera against X-ray exposure if needed.”
Shooting in the wrong lighting
Most disposable cameras have weak built-in flashes that only work well within a few metres. While bright daylight delivers crisp photos, it often leads to overexposure (images that appear washed out or unnaturally bright), especially with pale skin tones or reflective surfaces. On the flip side, indoor or nighttime shots without proper flash use often come out blurry, dim, or underexposed.
Expecting digital-quality images
Disposable cameras are simple by design. They often produce grainier photos with unpredictable colours and limited contrast, especially in low light, so don’t expect the sharpness and clarity of your smartphone or digital camera.
“To get the clearest images, stick to shooting in bright, natural daylight. If you decide to use the flash indoors or at night, get close to your subject when taking pictures to avoid blurred imagery. Avoiding strong backlighting will also help to stop the camera from confusing exposure and causing silhouettes,” says a Travel Republic expert.
The new ‘My Journey’ feature has been designed to help passengers easily manage their flights and track all updates on their mobile devices
Wizz Air has launched ‘My Journey’(Image: tupungato via Getty Images)
Wizz Air has launched a new in-flight app feature which it hopes will transform the passenger in-flight experience.
The Hungarian budget airline has just unveiled “My Journey,” an addition to the Wizz Air mobile app that offers passengers flight management at their fingertips.
Alongside the usual channels of communication customers may have with their airline—such as phone calls, SMS, and emails—they can now do it all through the app.
That includes getting instant updates on flight status, including check-in, boarding time, and gate number, and finding out whether you’re eligible for a meal voucher or hotel stay if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
The air is rolling out the new feature from July 9(Image: tupungato via Getty Images)
If you are, then you’ll be able to claim any entitled benefits in the app during your journey, including meals, accommodation, and even compensation.
Customers in this tricky situation can also review and select alternative travel arrangements like rebooking, refunds, or accepting a new flight proposed by Wizz Air.
This could prove to be a major boon for passengers, given how difficult it can be to work out what to do if a flight is cancelled or delayed.
Wizz Air boasts of being one of the most reliable and punctual airlines operating in the UK. According to Cirium data, it is the country’s second-most punctual airline. It was one of the airlines least impacted by last week’s French air traffic controller strike. This is in contrast to budget airline Ryanair, which said it had been forced to cancel more than 170 flights, with the holiday plans of more than 30,000 passengers disrupted.
However, Wizz Air is likely to be impacted to some extent before the summer is out. This season, air traffic is expected to be 5% higher than last year. Air traffic controller strikes and the impact of wildfires currently breaking out across the hotter parts of Europe could well lead to flight delays and cancellations this month and next.
“It’s not just about flying, it’s about feeling in control during those frustrating moments,” said Boglarka Spak, Wizz Air’s Head of Customer Experience.
“My Journey is the ultimate solution for our passengers—enabling them to own their travel experience, whatever happens. With ‘My Journey,’ we’re empowering our customers with real-time tools to manage their trip on their own terms. This is another step towards our commitments made in our Customer First Compass initiative. We believe launching this feature during the peak summer period, when more flights are impacted by weather and air traffic control-related disruptions, will help our customers navigate more easily and save time and energy during their trips.”
The Wizz Air app has had 35 million downloads across Apple, Google, and Huawei platforms so far. “My Journey” will be rolled out as an update to the app in stages from 9 July.
From low-slung jeans to loud singing and even 10kg boobs, passengers have been kicked off flights for the most bizarre reasons. Here are some of the wildest stories from the skies
Flying can turn into chaos very quickly (Stock Image)(Image: Getty Images)
Flying can test everyone’s patience, but sometimes the reasons people get booted off flights just don’t make sense. One particular flying tale probably takes the cake.
A model claimed that her 10kg breasts got her kicked off a flight. Mary Magdalene,25, says she was removed from a plane because of her “explicit” look wearing leggings and a sports bra, but the airline claimed it was because she hadn’t listened to instructions while wearing headphones.
The model, who’s had over £120,000 worth of cosmetic surgery, including breast enhancements, hit back on Instagram, saying: “I was kicked off the flight for how I look… Obviously, [my outfit] is why she kicked me off because I look too explicit. But that’s not legal, so she had to say it’s because I was sleeping and wouldn’t hear her.”
Mary added that smaller-chested women wouldn’t face the same treatment, calling the incident “discrimination,” adding: “It’s not right to pick and choose who the rules apply to based on appearance/body type.”
From giant boobs to baggy jeans, and mid-air singalongs to notes in Arabic, here are some of the most ridiculous stories of travellers getting kicked off planes.
Even the rockstars aren’t safe(Image: Getty Images for Live Nation)
Billie Joe Armstrong kicked off for wearing low trousers
Not even rock stars are safe. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong was banned from a Southwest Airlines flight in 2011 for wearing his trousers too low. When told to pull them up, the singer reportedly quipped, “Don’t you have better things to do?” He was promptly escorted off and later tweeted, “Just got kicked off a Southwest flight because my pants sagged too low!” The airline later apologised and offered a new booking.
Alec Baldwin was famously removed from an American Airlines flight(Image: Getty Images)
Alec Baldwin ejected for playing Words With Friends
Actor Alec Baldwin was famously removed from an American Airlines flight after refusing to stop playing the smartphone game Words With Friends during take-off preparations.
Baldwin vented on Twitter: “Flight attendant on American [Airlines] reamed me out 4 playing WORDS W FRIENDS while we sat at the gate, not moving.” His spokesperson added: “He loves WWF so much that he was willing to leave the plane for it.”
Maybe he should have switched his phone off, but regardless, it’s ridiculous all around.
Passenger steals megaphone mid-flight
During a WestJet flight from Toronto to Saskatoon, police were called after a cabin megaphone mysteriously disappeared. It turned out passenger Jake Michael Piasentini, 29, had stolen it, reportedly influenced by alcohol. The theft delayed the flight, and Jake faced a CAD $5,000 fine.
‘Queen of the aeroplane’ comment gets mum removed
American traveller Nicki Gazley was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight after sarcastically calling a flight attendant “the Queen of this aeroplane” during a disagreement over her baby carrier.
Despite complying with requests to remove her son from an Ergo Baby Carrier, the flight attendant took offence and booted Nicki. Frontier Airlines stated that the FAA does not approve Ergo carriers for takeoff or landing.
Tweet about ‘drunk pilot’ leads to ban
Lisa Carter Knight was banned from a JetBlue flight after tweeting photos and comments suggesting the pilot was undergoing a sobriety test following a passenger’s ill-judged joke about a “drunk pilot.”
Though the pilot passed the test, Lisa says she was still not allowed to board. JetBlue denied it was due to the tweets, explaining that passengers exhibiting disruptive behaviour can be removed.
Whitney Houston fan forces emergency landing
A passenger belting out Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You aboard a Los Angeles to New York flight was so disruptive that the pilot diverted to Kansas City to remove her mid-performance.
Man kicked off flight for bad body odour
A 27-year-old French passenger flying from Paris to Dallas was removed after the crew complained about his smell. Despite dousing himself in Dior perfume, the crew said his stench was too much.
Police were called, and the passenger filed a complaint. American Airlines denied the odour claims, citing an issue with his US visa.
‘Merry Christmas?’ Not for this passenger
A man travelling from Dallas to New York on American Airlines went into a rage after being wished “Merry Christmas” at the gate and again on board.
After reprimanding staff for the greeting, he reportedly caused a scene and was removed, much to the relief and cheers of fellow passengers.
Confused economist mistaken for a threat
Most recently, Guido Menzio boarded a flight from Philadelphia to Syracuse only to be asked to leave after a passenger reported him for writing notes in what she thought was Arabic and found “threatening.”
Police kept the flight grounded for two hours before realising Guido was an Ivy League economist jotting down math equations for a talk.
Teen removed after coughing fit delays flight
On a Continental Airlines flight from Newark to Honolulu, a 16-year-old on a school trip was asked to leave after waking up with a coughing fit before takeoff. Although given water and cleared by the onboard doctor, the pilot refused to allow her and her teacher to fly. They had to find overnight accommodation and buy clothes and toiletries.
Flying can be a rollercoaster ride, and it’s always best to follow instructions and safety guidelines too. But as these wild tales show, sometimes even that’s not enough to keep you in your seat. Whether it’s baggy jeans or belting out a power ballad, you never quite know what might get you grounded.
So, next time you board a flight, maybe leave the megaphone at home and smile extra brightly at the flight attendants.
Spain has launched a fresh crackdown on a specific group of pedestrians known as ‘phone zombies’ as it looks to cut down on road accidents in the country
10:11, 15 May 2025Updated 10:12, 15 May 2025
You could be fined for using your phone while walking in Spain(Image: (Image: Getty))
Holidaymakers caught wandering dangerously with their phones in Spain could be slapped with a hefty fine.
Spain has initiated a tough new campaign against careless pedestrian conduct to tackle the surge in street mishaps – and it spells trouble for holidaymakers addicted to their smartphones. The Spanish traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has delivered a stern caution to those who wander the pavements engrossed in their devices.
Under fresh rules, pedestrians caught using their mobile phones while walking, particularly close to or on streets, could face an €80 (£67) penalty, while graver infractions like jaywalking may incur fines up to €200 (£170).
Officials have identified the growing problem of “phone zombies” – individuals who meander into traffic while engrossed in texting or browsing – as a significant danger not only to themselves but also to other road users.
Spain has implemented a new ban to stop people from going on their phones(Image: (Image: Getty))
In a direct message posted on its social media platforms, the DGT stated: “Use the zebra crossings properly, they’re there for a reason. Don’t use your phone while crossing, no, not even for a selfie. Eyes up, feet down, and only step out if it’s safe for you and the drivers.”
The statement continued with clear instructions: “Obey traffic signals. Stay off motorways and dual carriageways, they’re for wheels, not heels,” emphasising that the clampdown is vital for “safe mobility for all.”
Particularly, tourists planning trips to popular destinations like Majorca are being cautioned, reports the Express.
Authorities on the island, which has long been subject to complaints about both local and tourist driving standards, are facing increasing pressure to address traffic chaos and pedestrian risks. The problem is only anticipated to escalate as a proposal is being considered to permit learner drivers to practice with experienced drivers, not just instructors, at the helm.
As Spanish roads become increasingly challenging for both drivers and pedestrians, both tourists and locals are being encouraged to pay more attention and look up from their phones, or they could face a substantial fine whilst on holiday.
There are plenty of other laws in place across Spain designed to control behaviour. In Alicante for example there are heavy fines for noisy tourists. Recently the city tightened versions of their 2019 rules placed by the city council. These simple rules against tourist noise pollution, however, could cost Brits over £25,000 if breached.
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The country as a whole has declared that tourists will now be fined as high as £8,000 for not having legal proof of their accommodation whilst travelling. This translates into a booking confirmation letter or email – which is easy enough for hotel stayers, but for those visiting friends and family that reside there, proof becomes a lot more complicated.
Cities like Benidorm have announced a new change to their tourist law: a beach fine for any who steps onto its sandy coasts between midnight and 7 AM. In an effort to preserve its beaches and prevent potential crime, Benidorm’s fines are a significant sum that can land between £640 and £1,030 and will also target romantics opting for a night-time swim or sleeping under the stars.
