Ryanair, the popular low-cost airline provocateur, has thrown a bone in the wheels of public opinion again. From November 12, 2025, paper airline tickets will become a relic of the past – unless you’re flying to Albania or Morocco, where they apparently still swear by the magic of paper. Passengers will now have to save their boarding passes in the Ryanair app, which has sparked a tsunami of criticism, especially among those who don’t use smartphones or who fight them like the final boss in a video game. But is this really a technological advance or just another attempt by Ryanair to get on our nerves?
Ryanair is saying goodbye to paper tickets and introducing mandatory use of digital boarding passes via its app. According to CEO Michael O'Leary, who never shirks his bold statements, 85-90% of % passengers already use digital tickets. But from November 12, 2025, the rule will be mandatory for everyone – well, almost everyone. Albania and Morocco, where local authorities still insist on paper tickets, are the exceptions. Albania promises to switch to digital by March 2026, while Morocco remains loyal to paper for now, as if it were a national heritage.
And if you think this is just another Ryanair whim, think again. The airline, which has already caused a stir in the past by eliminating seats on popular destinations and strict rules on hand luggage, is clearly not resting. It's as if O'Leary got up this morning and said, "How can I further anger passengers today? Aha, let's abolish paper tickets!"
What if your phone fails or you don't have one at all?
For those of you who find yourself desperately tapping away at a blank screen at the airport, O'Leary promises a solution. If your battery dies, you lose your phone, or you encounter any other technological glitch, the airport will issue you a replacement paper ticket for free—assuming you checked in on time, of course. The airline staff will have access to all your information, meaning you won't be stranded at the airport like some Kafkaesque nightmare. But the point is timely reporting – without that, not even O'Leary's smile will help you.
Reactions: From anger to calls for boycott
The internet exploded, predictably. Older passengers and those without smartphones in particular have called the new rule “age discrimination” and “technological exclusion”. Some warn that older phones may not support the Ryanair app, while others complain about the complexity of modern technologies. “Why should my grandfather, who can barely send a text message, now use the app to fly to Mallorca?” was one comment on the X network. There have even been calls for a boycott, although, let’s be honest, Ryanair’s low prices are still as tempting as a sailor’s siren.
Why this change?
Ryanair claims it is a step towards greater efficiency and a more environmentally friendly business. The paperless system is expected to reduce administrative costs and waste, which is in line with global digitalization trends. But many wonder if this is just another way to force passengers to use the Ryanair app – and maybe buy something in the process, as we know the airline never misses an opportunity to make extra money.
Tips for travelers: How to prepare?
To avoid stress at the airport, consider the following:
- Download the Ryanair app and make sure it works on your phone. If you don't have a smartphone, consider asking a friend or family member for help.
- Please register on time. Without checking in before arriving at the airport, even a replacement ticket will not help you.
- Take care of the battery. Carry a portable charger, as your phone will now be your boarding pass.
- If you are flying to Albania or Morocco, continue to print paper tickets, as digital ones don't hold water there (for now).
Conclusion: Welcome to the digital age – or is it?
Ryanair may be moving with the times with this move, but the question is whether passengers are ready for such a leap. While some welcome the paperless approach, others see it as just further evidence that Ryanair is betting on its cost savings over passenger convenience. Either way, if you're planning to fly Ryanair, download the app, charge your phone, and prepare to do a few extra clicks before boarding. Or, you know, find an airline that still believes in the magic of paper.
What do you think of the new rule? Is it a step forward or a step back? Share your opinion in the comments – and maybe some more advice on how to survive Ryanair's tricks!
