Ryanair to ban all passengers from using paper in 2025
Ryanair is set to scrap paper as part of a major overhaul of its check-in process. The budget airline has confirmed plans to ditch paper boarding passes as part of a major overhaul of its check-in process.
In a bid to streamline the travel experience, passengers will need to check in through the airline's website or mobile app instead. According to Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary, the move will make travel "smoother" and "easier".
Currently, passengers can check in their bags at the airport without needing to go digital, but from May 1, 2025, the paper-free system will kick in. Speaking about the change, Mr. O'Leary said: "We want to get rid of airport checks in the same way we got rid of bag [desks].
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"We are working towards from May 1 that everything will be done on the app, nothing will be done on paper anymore. I have been reluctant to go on the app because I am terrified to get on a flight without a piece of paper, but it works so well. [The app] tells you your gate and if there is a delay.
"The customers who want the piece of paper are the same demographic that when we first moved over to the internet they wouldn't move over but were then the first ones to switch to the internet for cheaper airfares."
The airline chief also tackled worries around the dependence on mobile devices for check-in.
This follows the existing use of the airline's app by 60% of passengers, a figure predicted to soar to 80% by year-end. He reassured: "If your battery dies we have your seat and your passport and we can do that at the boarding gates at the moment. We sometimes do that if someone's phone doesn't scan for some reason. Once we have the name and passport that's fine but everyone will be on the app.", reports the Mirror.