What you need know about Ryanair new rules

Ryanair, the Irish airline, has been known for years for its strict policies. Things are about get stricter. Currently, Ryanair charges £20 to print your boarding pass at the airport. If you forget to check in online the fee is £55. The paper passes will be gone soon.

Ryanair switches to digital boarding pass 

Michael O’Leary of Ryanair announced in October 2017 that the airline would phase out paper boarding tickets by May 2025, and instead use digital boarding pass via their app. The check-in desk will likely disappear. He said that this will reduce paperwork and streamline the check-in procedure.

“Our goal is eliminate check-in counters at airports, just as we’ve done for luggage counters.”

The app will manage everything, making it fully digital and eliminating all paper. Many travellers are accustomed to using the app. O’Leary notes that up to 60% of travellers are already using mobile passes. He predicted this would rise to 80% of travellers by the end last year.

The move means that passengers won’t have to pay for boarding passes in airports anymore, but the elderly or those who aren’t tech-savvy might be discouraged from flying on the budget airline.

There does not seem to be a plan in place for a malfunctioning app when check-in desks are eventually phased out. The airports of Turkey, Morocco and Albania have not yet adopted mobile boarding cards. Printed boarding tickets will still be required to complete the journey.

Hand luggage can be changed

Hand luggage rules are changing. Hand luggage (40 x20 x25cm) can be carried free and must fit underneath the seat in front. Paid-for larger bags must fit in the hand luggage cabins but those that are larger than the limit (10kg, 55 x 40 x 20cm) will attract a fee of up to £70.00 at the gate. Upgrade to a Priority Fare for additional luggage benefits.