Since 12 November 2025, Ryanair no longer issues paper boarding passes – neither as a self-print nor at the airport check-in desk. The boarding pass only exists digitally in the myRyanair app and is automatically stored there after online check-in. What this means for your next trip, which new features the app brings and what to watch out for – here is the complete overview.
Ryanair App 2026: The End of the Paper Boarding Pass
The decision had long been expected: almost 80 percent of Ryanair passengers were already using the digital boarding pass voluntarily before it became mandatory. Since November 2025, the switch is binding for everyone. The boarding pass in the myRyanair app is the only valid proof at boarding – and since February 2026 this is also consistently enforced: airlines, ferry operators and rail companies are no longer allowed to carry passengers without a valid digital boarding pass.
Anyone arriving at the airport without having checked in online in advance pays the airport check-in fee. Online check-in via the app is free and must be completed at least two hours before departure. In short: install the app, check in, save boarding pass – done.
Important for your next Ryanair flight: Download the myRyanair app before travelling and complete the online check-in. At the airport itself, there is no way back to a paper ticket.
New myRyanair App Features at a Glance
The app has developed into a complete travel companion over the past few months. In addition to the mandatory boarding pass, a number of useful features have been added to make flying more convenient:
- Digital boarding pass available offline: Automatically saved in the app after online check-in and works without an internet connection at the gate.
- Order to Seat: Order food and drinks directly from your phone during the flight – you will then be served first by the cabin crew.
- Real-time gate updates: Gate changes, delays and boarding calls are delivered as push notifications directly to your phone – no more staring at departure boards.
- Direct disruption communication: In the event of flight cancellations, Ryanair's Operations Centre informs passengers directly via the app, without going through loudspeaker announcements.
- Automatic boarding pass update: If there is an aircraft change after check-in, the digital boarding pass updates itself automatically.
What to Do If Your Phone Gives Up?
Dead battery, lost phone, app crash just before the gate – Ryanair has thought of this too. Anyone who has already checked in online before arriving can get a free printed boarding pass at the airport desk. The only condition: online check-in must be completed before you travel to the airport. Even those without a smartphone can still fly – complete check-in on a computer beforehand and request a printout at the desk.
Tip: Save the boarding pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet immediately after check-in. This way you have it to hand even without an internet connection – especially useful with poor signal in the terminal or expensive roaming charges abroad. A power bank in your hand luggage is always a good idea on long travel days anyway.
Does the Requirement Apply Everywhere?
Almost everywhere – with a few exceptions. At airports in Morocco and Albania, the old system is still running in parallel and passengers may still present printed boarding passes. At all other Ryanair destinations, since November 2025, the rule is clear: digital boarding pass mandatory. If in doubt, check the latest information for your departure airport shortly before travelling – the rules may continue to evolve.
Checklist: How to Prepare for Your Ryanair Flight
- myRyanair app installed and logged into your account
- Online check-in completed – at least 2 hours before departure
- Boarding pass saved to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for offline access
- Push notifications activated for live gate and boarding updates
- Phone charged – power bank recommended for long travel days
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FAQ – Ryanair App & Digital Boarding Pass 2026
No. Since 12 November 2025, Ryanair no longer accepts printed boarding passes. The boarding pass exists exclusively as a digital version in the myRyanair app. Anyone who has already checked in online but does not have a working phone at the airport can get a free printout at the desk.
Yes. Once you have saved the boarding pass after online check-in in the myRyanair app or in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, you no longer need an internet connection at the gate. Best to save it directly after check-in – then you are on the safe side.
Anyone who has not checked in online in advance will pay an additional airport check-in fee. Online check-in via the myRyanair app is free and must be completed before arriving at the airport.
Order to Seat is a new feature in the myRyanair app that lets you order food and drinks directly from your phone during the flight. You will then be served first by the cabin crew – no more waving and waiting.
Anyone who has already checked in online can get a free printed boarding pass at the airport desk. Requirement: online check-in must have been completed before arriving at the airport. A power bank is therefore recommended for long travel days.
Almost everywhere. At airports in Morocco and Albania, the old system is still running in parallel – printed boarding passes are still allowed there. Everywhere else, since November 2025, the rule is absolute: digital boarding pass mandatory.
Yes. The boarding pass is newly stored in the app after each online check-in. For a return trip, you check in twice and receive two new digital boarding passes.
Yes. The myRyanair app supports direct integration with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This way your boarding pass is always ready to hand – even without opening the app and without an internet connection.