In September, low-cost carrier Ryanair announced that it would only accept digital boarding passes starting from 12 November.<\/p>\n
The airline now requires passengers to check in online and generate their boarding pass on the Ryanair app.<\/p>\n
Ryanair\u2019s online guidelines suggest that printed paper boarding passes are no longer accepted other than in particular circumstances, such as a passenger not owning a smartphone.<\/p>\n
However, one EU country has warned that the airline\u2019s new measures risk non-compliance with air passenger rights. <\/p>\n
Does Ryanair only accept digital boarding passes?<\/p>\n
As of Wednesday 12 November, Ryanair passengers are required to have their boarding pass in digital format<\/a> on their myRyanair app.<\/p>\n The move has raised concerns about elderly passengers who may not own or be comfortable using a smartphone.<\/p>\n Travellers are also questioning what they should do if their phone runs out of battery, is stolen or they lose internet connection.<\/p>\n Portugal\u2019s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has issued guidance on the new rules to clarify passenger rights. <\/p>\n After analysing both the information provided by the carrier on its website and additional clarifications, ANAC concludes that: \u201cIt appears that Ryanair<\/a> intends to guarantee all passenger rights, including those of passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility or who do not have a smartphone or tablet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt also intends not to apply a boarding pass reissue fee to those who have checked in online.\u201d<\/p>\n Portugal says Ryanair cannot refuse paper boarding passes<\/p>\n However, the authority adds that it has informed Ryanair of certain obligations to ensure it does not violate passenger rights. <\/p>\n It states that the carrier must refrain from any behaviour that prevents passengers<\/a> in Portugal with a confirmed flight reservation and who have checked in from boarding because they do not have a digital boarding pass. <\/p>\n Ryanair must also not impose mandatory fees for obtaining and using physical (paper) boarding passes.<\/p>\n