Ryanair says it will no longer accept paper boarding cards and will phase out check-in counters by the same date. This follows a preference for digital check-ins which will begin operating strictly from May 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin last week, CEO Michael O’Leary said 60% of passengers check in and board using the Ryanair website or app and he expects that figure to rise by 80% by the end of the year.
While passengers will still be able to check bags at the airport, the traditional check-in process will become obsolete.
This move builds upon Ryanair’s existing policy, which already encourages online check-in. Currently, only Flexi Plus ticket holders can check in at the airport without incurring additional fees. Other passengers face steep charges for airport check-in (£/€55 per person per sector) and boarding pass reissue (£/€20).
Ryanair’s latest move to eliminate airport check-in and paper boarding passes marks an unprecedented shift in airline operations. This decision aligns with Ryanair’s reputation for implementing stringent policies, often perceived as punitive by customers.
This trend towards digital-only processes is gaining momentum in the airline industry.
