Ryanair's new ticketless boarding is here. Find out the new rules

What are Ryanair's new check-in rules?

On Monday, 3rd November, Ryanair finalised its plans to go fully digital with its boarding process, phasing out paper tickets entirely, which could affect over 2 million UK travellers.

In a bid to cut costs, improve efficiency, and save approximately 300 tonnes of paper, Ryanair recently introduced fully digital boarding passes, starting from November 3rd 2025.

In some senses, switching to Digital Boarding Passes (DBP) may be considered good news, cutting down on unnecessary waste and making for a smoother, faster boarding process for passengers. With this switch, they also hope to save passengers from needing to pay late check-in fees and provide them with direct updates on flights through the Ryanair app.

But on the other hand, having a strict no boarding card policy means travellers need to be prepared to go digital.

If you’re used to printing off your boarding pass, make sure you’ve downloaded the Ryanair app and followed the steps to download your digital pass, or you could face delays and additional fees when you get to the airport.

2.06 million Brits aged 55+ currently don’t own a mobile phone

New data commissioned by MoneySuperMarket found that there are currently 10% of Brits aged 55+ who don’t own a mobile phone at all¹.

And, based on the latest ONS Census data², that equates to 2.06 million Brits who may find themselves facing a barrier to travelling with Ryanair when the new rules are launched.

The research, which surveyed over 1,100 Brits, also found that 18% feel pressured to keep up with the latest technology. This feeling could certainly be heightened as companies start to introduce rules that exclude groups without smartphones. 

In this case, however, passengers that don't usually carry a mobile phone or tablet can still fly Ryanair and use Ryanair's new DBPs - they will just need to be extra prepared.

If you don't have the app to check-in before your flight, you can do it on the computer by logging into the myRyanair portal on the Ryanair website.

Checking in online is the most important step if you're flying with Ryanair after this change. As long as you've checked-in online before you arrive at the airport, Ryanair say that they will be able to assist you and offer a free boarding pass if you don't have a device to show your digital boarding pass. This is also the case if your device runs out of battery or is lost.

But if you don't check-in before you arrive, you will need to pay a late check-in fee or could be denied boarding altogether if you check-in too late and don't have a boarding pass.

The importance of travel insurance coverage

While travel insurance won't be able to help you if you missed your flight due to being unprepared, it can help you if your trip is delayed or cancelled for other reasons, but only if you buy your policy at the right time.

Our data reveals that in 2025 so far, over one in six (16.5%) travel insurance policies were bought on the very day of departure, while nearly one in five (19%) were purchased just a day before the trip.

Booking your travel insurance as soon as your holiday is confirmed is essential. Winter travel comes with a higher risk of disruption, whether it’s weather-related cancellations, seasonal illnesses, or overbooked accommodation during peak periods.

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

You get the most out of your travel insurance when you buy it early

With travel rules evolving, it’s more important than ever to make sure your documents are in order before you go. Travel insurance won’t cover you if you're denied boarding due to missing or incorrect paperwork, so double-check everything, and keep a checklist if you need it..

Making sure you have the right travel insurance early gives you peace of mind and protection from the moment you book, so you can focus on enjoying your winter break without any last-minute stress.

<sup>Sources
1. MoneySuperMarket conducted a survey of 1130 people on their attitudes towards gadgets (including mobile phones). 
2. ONS Census latest data (2021) highlights 20.6 million Brits are aged 55+ in the United Kingdom. 10% of this is 2.06 million Brits without a smartphone.</sup>