Ryanair's major ticket change - 3 key questions answered about November 2025 plan

Ryanair is set to make a notable change to its ticketing system, effective from November 12. From this date onwards, the airline will only issue '100% Digital Boarding Passes' (DBP), and physical tickets will no longer be accepted at most airports.

This scheme, originally planned for May 2025, aims to stop check-in charges and save approximately 300 tonnes of paper annually while enabling travellers to receive direct updates about flights. But if you're concerned about the practicalities of this, look no further.

The Express has outlined three key questions and answers about the new scheme, based on official information from Ryanair. You can also find out more about the boarding pass alteration on the airline's website here.

1. How can I get a digital boarding pass?

Ryanair passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or via the Ryanair App, which is available on Apple's App Store and Google Play. To avoid extra charges, passengers should complete this process before arriving at the airport.

After check-in, a DBP will automatically show up in the Ryanair App. You should present this at airport security and the boarding gate before your flight.

The budget airline stated that this method is 'quicker, easier,' and results in 'less stress' compared to using paper tickets.

2. What happens if my phone dies or I lose it before boarding?

Misplacing your mobile can feel incredibly stressful, but it won't prevent you from boarding your flight, according to Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary.

During a previous interview on The Independent's daily travel podcast, he explained: "The big concern that people have is: 'What happens if I lose my battery or what if I lose my phone?'

"...If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you've checked in before you got to the airport, we'll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge."

In situations where a mobile has run out of power, O'Leary also noted that personnel will possess each traveller's 'sequence number' at the departure gate. This means you should still be able to get on board without it, so 'nobody should worry'.

Advice on Ryanair's website mirrors this, adding: "If you have already checked in online and you lose your smartphone or tablet (or it dies), your details are already on our system and you will be assisted at the gate."

3. What if the airport Wi-Fi is poor, or I have no mobile data?

Ryanair has assured that once you've completed online check-in, your DBP will be accessible offline within the Ryanair App. Nevertheless, its website guidance stresses: "All Ryanair passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24hrs predeparture.

"If any passenger arrives at airport but hasn't checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee."

Right now, the fee stands at £55/€55 per passenger for the majority of flights. However, passengers departing from Spain are required to pay £30/€30, while those leaving Austria will be charged £40/€40.