Copyright walesonline
Ryanair has faced fierce criticism for a "disgusting" approach towards elderly travellers . A policy change from Ryanair means that from November onwards, passengers using paper boarding passes will be required to have them stored on a mobile device. However, advocacy groups have argued this will create additional barriers for senior passengers. Silver Voices, a campaign organisation representing the over-60s, has also condemned this as a "disgraceful move." Ryanair announced it will implement digital-only boarding passes from November 12, stating that "passengers will no longer be able to download and print a physical paper boarding pass ." The airline explained that travellers "will instead need to use the digital boarding pass generated in their 'myRyanair' app during check-in to board their Ryanair flight." For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here. Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, has criticised Ryanair for attempting to "cut costs and cut corners without caring about the impact on their customers." He commented: "It's a disgraceful move. They are effectively saying they don't want older people as passengers. There's a strong argument to say that it's discriminatory." He continued: "This is going to cause chaos. If somebody goes to the airport to catch a Ryanair flight without the app, what are they going to do? Turn them away?". "It's also going to isolate older people from society, which is what businesses that go completely digital do. "I really would urge them to reconsider. I, for one, will not be flying with Ryanair, and I would urge other people to take the same action." Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, expressed her concerns about the changes, stating: "There should always be an alternative way of booking and showing tickets that does not disadvantage those who aren't online." Meanwhile, Dara Brady, Ryanair's chief marketing officer, assured that the new timing would "ensure a seamless transition" to 100pc digital boarding passes, which he believes will result in "a faster, smarter and greener travel experience for our customers."
