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Portugal Orders Ryanair to Accept Paper Boarding Passes

By Newby

Ryanair’s Shift to Digital Boarding Passes

In September, low-cost carrier Ryanair announced that it would only accept digital boarding passes starting from 12 November. This means that passengers are now required to check in online and generate their boarding pass on the Ryanair app.

Ryanair’s updated guidelines indicate that printed paper boarding passes are no longer accepted, except in specific circumstances such as a passenger not owning a smartphone. However, this policy has raised concerns, particularly among elderly travelers who may not be comfortable with or have access to smartphones.

Concerns About Accessibility

Travelers are also questioning what they should do if their phone runs out of battery, is stolen, or they lose internet connection. These scenarios could potentially prevent them from boarding their flights, even if they have already checked in online.

This shift towards digital boarding passes has sparked discussions about accessibility and fairness for all passengers, regardless of their technological capabilities.

Portugal’s Response to Ryanair’s Policy

Portugal’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has issued guidance on the new rules to clarify passenger rights. After analyzing both the information provided by Ryanair on its website and additional clarifications, ANAC concluded that:

“It appears that Ryanair intends to guarantee all passenger rights, including those of passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, or who do not have a smartphone or tablet.”

The authority also noted that Ryanair intends not to apply a boarding pass reissue fee to those who have checked in online.

Ensuring Passenger Rights

However, the authority added that it has informed Ryanair of certain obligations to ensure it does not violate passenger rights. It states that the carrier must refrain from any behavior that prevents passengers in Portugal with a confirmed flight reservation and who have checked in from boarding because they do not have a digital boarding pass.

Ryanair must also not impose mandatory fees for obtaining and using physical (paper) boarding passes.

What Passengers Need to Know

In a sense, this is what Ryanair has already confirmed: that travelers can request a paper boarding pass free of charge at airport check-in desks, provided they are already checked in online.

This adds an extra layer of security for passengers in Portugal, emphasizing that they do not need a particular reason (such as losing their phone) to be permitted to board without a digital version of their boarding pass.

Ongoing Monitoring

“ANAC will continue to monitor the situation, fulfilling its mission to ensure safety and compliance with the rights of air transport passengers,” the authority said in a statement.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

  • Digital Requirement: As of 12 November, Ryanair passengers are required to have their boarding pass in digital format on the myRyanair app.
  • Accessibility Concerns: Elderly passengers and those without smartphones may face challenges with this policy.
  • Paper Passes Available: Passengers can request a paper boarding pass free of charge at airport check-in desks if they have already checked in online.
  • No Extra Fees: Ryanair must not impose mandatory fees for obtaining and using physical boarding passes.
  • Ongoing Oversight: Portugal’s ANAC will continue to monitor the situation to ensure compliance with passenger rights.

By implementing these changes, Ryanair aims to streamline the boarding process while ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their technology use, can travel without unnecessary barriers.