Ryanair goes fully digital: what you really need to know before flying

Ryanair is switching to digital-only boarding passes, making your phone the key to your trip. A small change for many travelers, but one that still reshapes a few habits.

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Summary:

  • What the new digital-only system changes in practice.
  • How to prepare your phone before heading to the airport.
  • What to do if your battery dies at the wrong moment.
  • A look at the tools hidden inside the Ryanair app.

For years, plenty of travelers kept a printed boarding pass in their pocket “just in case”, even while most airlines pushed for mobile check-in. Ryanair has now taken the final step: the boarding pass will exist only inside the “myRyanair” app. According to the company, most people already travel this way, so the move aims to make airport procedures quicker and more consistent.

If you rely on your phone for maps, reservations or train tickets, this shift will feel natural. If you prefer paper, the change may seem abrupt at first, but adapting is surprisingly simple. This guide walks you through what to expect, how to prepare and how to make the transition smooth. Let’s dive in.

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Digital boarding only: what actually changes?

Ryanair is removing the option to print a boarding pass. After check-in, the only valid document is the QR code displayed in the app. Security agents and gate staff scan it directly from your screen.

This also reduces the usual pre-flight clutter. Instead of digging through emails or opening an outdated PDF, everything sits in one place on your phone and updates automatically.

Traveler’s note

If several people travel on the same booking, their passes can appear on a single device, or each traveler can keep their own. Choose whichever option feels easier.

Preparing for your trip: a simple routine

Getting ready for digital boarding is easy, but doing it calmly before leaving home makes a difference.

Pre-travel checklist

  • Install the “myRyanair” app.
  • Log in and confirm your booking appears correctly.
  • Complete check-in early to avoid last-minute loading issues.
  • Charge your phone fully and pack a compact power bank.
  • Enable notifications for flight updates.

The app becomes your main source of information. Gate changes, delays and boarding alerts arrive instantly, without having to refresh anything manually.

Local tip

Mobile coverage can be limited in some terminals. Once your pass is generated, take a screenshot. It loads instantly even without signal.

At the airport: what you’ll notice on travel day

Your airport routine won’t change dramatically, but it becomes more efficient. At security and at the gate, you simply open the app and show the QR code. Most travelers find this faster than handling paper.

Ryanair also provides tools that help throughout the journey.

Useful app features

FeatureWhat it offers
Live flight infoReal-time updates on boarding and gates.
Direct notificationsAlerts for delays or disruptions.
In-seat orderingOrder drinks or snacks directly from your phone.
Document hubStore digital versions of your travel documents.

These features are optional, but they make the experience more intuitive once you get used to the system.

If your battery dies (because it happens)

A digital-only system means your phone matters more than ever. Keeping it charged is the easiest way to avoid stress.

Practical advice

  • Carry a small power bank in your hand luggage.
  • Activate battery saver when you leave home.
  • Avoid streaming or battery-heavy apps before boarding.
  • If your phone shuts down unexpectedly, go to a Ryanair desk as soon as possible.

It’s rare, but preparing a backup plan keeps the trip smooth.

Why airlines are moving in this direction

Many airlines already encourage digital boarding because it speeds up procedures, reduces printing and prevents outdated documents from circulating. Ryanair is simply formalizing what most passengers already do.

For an airline operating thousands of flights across Europe, standardizing the process helps maintain predictable operations. For travelers, the convenience is clear: fewer documents, fewer steps, and fewer surprises at the airport.

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Ryanair’s transition to digital-only boarding may seem like a big shift, but most passengers are already used to traveling with their phone. For those who prefer paper, the adjustment is quick, and the benefits appear as soon as you try the app. Everything becomes easier to manage, from boarding to last-minute alerts.

If you’re flying soon, take a few minutes to set up the app. You may find that digital boarding becomes your new normal.


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