Ryanair Drops Paper Boarding Passes for 2026: What Travellers Need to Do Before They Fly

Ryanair has made digital boarding passes mandatory for all 2026 flights. Here is what every traveller needs to know before they reach the airport.

Millions of passengers flying with Ryanair this year will need to leave one thing behind — their printed boarding pass. Europe's largest budget airline has officially moved to a fully digital boarding pass system, and the change is now in full effect for all 2026 flights. Whether you are jetting off on a summer holiday or a quick city break, here is what you need to know before you reach the airport.

From 12 November 2025, Ryanair permanently scrapped paper boarding passes across all routes. Every passenger is now required to check in online and access their boarding pass exclusively through the Ryanair mobile app. There are no printed alternatives at the desk, and the policy applies to every flight the airline operates.

The reason behind the move is straightforward. Ryanair says the switch lowers airport operating costs, which in turn helps keep fares competitive. It also eliminates an estimated 300 tonnes of paper waste every year, making it a meaningful step for the airline's environmental commitments. On top of that, the digital pass offers passengers real-time flight updates, gate information, and faster rebooking support during disruptions, all directly through the app.​​​​​​​

Ryanair has made clear provisions for this. If a passenger has already completed online check-in but their phone runs out of battery or is lost, airport staff will issue a free printed boarding pass at the ticket desk. The key condition is that online check-in must have been done before arriving at the airport — the passenger's details are already on the system, and the airline will assist them at the gate.

Passengers who do not own a smartphone can also travel, provided they have checked in online in advance. A free boarding pass will be issued at the airport, though they will miss out on real-time flight notifications and any enhanced rebooking assistance during disruptions.​​​​​​​

A simple pre-departure checklist to ensure your Ryanair digital boarding pass is ready and your journey goes smoothly without last-minute issues.

• Download the Ryanair app before your travel date
• Check in online as soon as the 48-hour window opens
• Save or screenshot your boarding pass for offline access
• Keep your phone charged and consider bringing a portable power bank
• If travelling with elderly or less tech-confident passengers, assist them with the app setup in advance

Ryanair's move to digital-only boarding passes is part of a wider industry shift, and for most travellers it will genuinely simplify the journey. A little preparation before departure is all it takes to make the experience smooth from start to finish.​​​​​​​