Ryanair to introduce frustrating new boarding pass rule for passengers next year – after hiking luggage fees
RYANAIR passengers will have to follow new boarding pass rules next year – and it isn’t good news.
The low-cost airline has confirmed that paper boarding passes are to be scrapped in 2025.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary confirmed that they would phase our the physical boarding passes by May, saying that as many as 60 per cent currently use mobile passes.
Currently, Brits can get a boarding pass at the airport with the airline.
But passengers are charged £55 if they forget to check in and download their boarding passes before arriving at the airport.
The new rules would mean there would be no option to to check in at the airport at all, with the desks scrapped.
He said: “Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters.
“Everything will be managed through the app, making the process fully digital and eliminating paper entirely.”
The scrapping of the desks would also mean the scrapping of the £55 fee.
He added: “I’m one of the last remaining people still showing up with my piece of paper.
“It also means, once we get everybody onto the app, nobody will ever again pay for a boarding pass at an airport – the airport check in fee will be gone.
“So, I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody.”
Some countries, however, require a physical print out of the boarding pass, such as Morocco, Turkey and Albania‘s Tirana, so it isn’t clear how this will be affected for passengers who forget to print one.
The Ryanair website currently states: “If you depart from a Moroccan airport, a digital boarding pass will not be accepted.
“You must carry a physical printout of your boarding pass, and you’ll need to present this boarding pass at the Moroccan airport check-in facility.”
Ryanair has also increased their luggage fees this week.
The airline previously charged up to £38 for anyone booking Priority upgrades at the airport, which come with a 10kg suitcase and hand luggage bag.
New rules could see passengers charged up to £60 if adding this after booking flights or at the airport.
Luggage Rules for Major Airlines
British Airways
- Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg.
- Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more.
EasyJet
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat.
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg.
Ryanair
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags.
Virgin Atlantic
- Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags.
- Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags.
Emirates
- Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.
A spokesperson said the fees depend on the route and travel dates selected.
Earlier this year, the Ryanair boss warned that flight prices will soar this Christmas.
Due to passenger caps at Dublin airport, he said that flight prices could hit £422, adding he will “make a fortune” this Christmas.
It’s not the only outlandish way the airline wanted to make money.
Previous Ryanair plans included paying £1 to use the onboard toilets.
And the airline even proposed standing cabins and scrapped armrests to reduce the weight of the plane – saving them money.