Copyright euroweeklynews
Ryanair will introduce a major operational change from November 12, when it officially phases out printed boarding passes in favour of 100% digital cards accessed via its myRyanair app. The airline, known for its low-cost efficiency and no-frills approach, claims the move is designed to streamline boarding, cut down on paper waste, and reduce queues at the airport. According to Ryanair, almost 80% of passengers already use digital passes, and the company argues that the full transition is a logical step toward a more sustainable and technologically integrated travel experience. However, not everyone is convinced. The announcement has sparked confusion and frustration among some travellers, especially older passengers, those without smartphones, and those who prefer printed confirmation for peace of mind. The Three Major Questions Passengers Are Asking While Ryanair insists the transition will be smooth, the change has prompted three key concerns among regular fliers and travel experts. 1. What Happens If You Don’t Have a Smartphone? A significant share of Ryanair’s customers, particularly elderly travellers or those less tech-savvy, rely on paper tickets. Critics argue that making digital passes mandatory effectively excludes passengers who don’t own or know how to use smartphones. Ryanair has confirmed that printed boarding passes will only be available in exceptional cases, such as when departing from airports where digital passes are not yet accepted by local authorities. 2. What If the App or Phone Fails? Another pressing issue is reliability. Many fear that technical glitches, such as a dead battery, broken screen or poor Wi-Fi connection, could prevent boarding altogether. While airlines have long encouraged digital options, relying entirely on them adds a layer of risk, especially for passengers without backup devices. 3. Will This Cause Airport Confusion? Airport staff will likely face a transitional period as travellers adapt. Those unfamiliar with the change may arrive with printed copies, expecting the old system. This could cause longer check-in times and confusion at smaller or regional airports, where support staff may have to step in to assist passengers struggling with the new process. The Impact on British Tourists and Expats in Spain For British tourists and expats living in Spain, the change may have added implications. Many Britons rely on Ryanair for frequent flights between the UK and Spain, particularly to destinations such as Alicante, Málaga, and the Balearic Islands. Expats who aren’t fluent in Spanish or familiar with the airline’s digital tools could face extra stress when travelling. Some may also worry about technical issues when moving between mobile networks or using older phones not compatible with the app’s latest version. Meanwhile, holidaymakers from the UK who typically print all their travel documents as backups might be caught off guard if they arrive at the airport without a functioning device. Tourism analysts suggest that airlines operating heavily in Spain should consider a transition period that allows both printed and digital options to coexist for a while longer, especially given Spain’s high proportion of older British residents and returning holidaymakers. Ryanair will go fully digital from 12 November, accepting only boarding passes through its mobile app. Exceptions may apply at airports that still require paper due to local regulations. Concerns centre on tech failures, non-digital travellers, and airport confusion during the rollout. British tourists and expats in Spain could be disproportionately affected due to language barriers, older devices, and travel habits relying on printed documentation. What This Means for Travellers Going Forward While Ryanair’s change reflects the broader trend of digital transformation in air travel, it also exposes a growing digital divide among passengers. The move might streamline operations and reduce environmental impact, but for many, it represents a loss of control and a new source of anxiety. Ultimately, the airline’s success with this rollout will depend on how flexible and compassionate its implementation proves to be. If Ryanair provides reliable support for those unable to adapt immediately, including clear instructions in multiple languages and contingencies for tech failures, the shift could mark a new standard in European budget travel. But if the transition is handled rigidly, the airline risks alienating a portion of its loyal customer base, including thousands of British travellers in Spain who rely on Ryanair not just for holidays, but as a vital link between two homes.
