From 12 November 2025, you’ll need a digital pass for almost every Ryanair flight.
So if you’re travelling this winter, you’ll need the Ryanair App to show your boarding pass after check-in.
This guide walks you through what to do, including what happens if your phone dies.
Ryanair’s switch to 100% digital boarding passes
These Ryanair boarding pass changes mean the airline is phasing out printed passes and moving every traveller onto a Digital Boarding Pass (DBP).
Once you complete your Ryanair check in - on the website or in the app - your digital boarding pass will appear automatically in the Ryanair App.
Key change:
- Printed boarding passes are no longer supported at most airports.
Why has Ryanair switched to digital passes?
Ryanair says digital passes help:
- Reduce airport handling costs
- Keep fares lower
- Improve customer service during delays
- Give clearer, real-time flight information
- Remove around 300 tonnes of paper each year
How does a digital boarding pass work?
Your digital boarding pass appears in your Ryanair App as soon as you check-in online.
How it works:
- Check-in online at Ryanair.com or in the app.
- Open the app to view your boarding pass.
- Show it at security and at the gate.
- Access your pass anytime - no airport Wi-Fi or data needed.
What happens if your phone dies, gets lost, or you don’t have a smartphone?
Ryanair confirms you won’t miss your flight as long as you’ve checked in online:
- Lost your phone before security? The airport team will print a free boarding pass.
- If your phone dies before the gate? Staff will validate your details.
- No smartphone at all? As long as your online check-in is complete, staff will issue your boarding pass at the airport for free.
The most important rule: Check-in online before you arrive at the airport.
Are Ryanair paper passes gone everywhere?
Almost - but not entirely.
Morocco:
You cannot board with a digital pass in Morocco, and home-printed passes aren’t accepted. Show your digital pass at the airport, and airport staff will print a paper pass for you.
Turkish airports (most airports, except Dalaman) & Tirana (Albania):
Digital passes are not accepted - you must print your Ryanair boarding pass from the app or from your email confirmation at home, before you travel.
Where can I get more information?
We’ve created a regularly updated hub with every detail you need.
👉 Read the full FAQ here.
Mini FAQ: How does the Ryanair Digital Boarding Pass work?
Do I need the Ryanair App?
Yes. All digital passes appear in the app after online check-in.
Can I still use a paper boarding pass?
Not for most routes.
What if my phone dies?
If you’ve checked in online, Ryanair will print a pass or validate your details.
Can I check-in without the app?
Yes. You can check-in online via the website.
Your boarding pass will then appear in the app or be issued at the airport.
Do I need internet at the airport?
No. Your boarding pass works offline once downloaded.
About the author
A thrill-seeking globetrotter, Lydia is passionate about trying out new experiences. From rushing down the slopes of Savoie to quad biking over the dunes in Cape Verde.