Budget airline Ryanair has issued a warning to passengers, announcing a significant change to its check-in process that could potentially ground travellers without smartphones. From May onwards, all passengers will be required to check-in for flights exclusively through the Ryanair online app. Currently, customers are strongly advised to check-in online, with a €55 charge imposed for those who fail to do so at the airport. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, expressed his intention to phase out check-in desks within the next six months, meaning passengers without smartphones would no longer be able to board Ryanair flights.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Mr O’Leary outlined the airline’s strategy: “We will get rid of ticket desks and then there’s no reason to charge people for airport check-in.” He emphasised the shift towards digitalisation by stating, “We want to get rid of airport checks in the same way we got rid of bag [desks]. We are working towards from May 1 that everything will be done on the app, nothing will be done on paper anymore.” The CEO predicted that by May next year, 100% of check-ins would be conducted through the app, with only rare exceptions.
Despite some personal reservations, Mr O’Leary justified the change by highlighting its cost-saving benefits and impact on airfare prices. He acknowledged the effectiveness of the app in providing essential travel information and affirmed the airline’s preparedness to handle situations where passengers encounter technical difficulties or dead batteries at the airport. Currently, 60% of passengers are using the app, a figure expected to rise to 80% by the end of the year.
Additionally, Mr O’Leary addressed concerns around disruptive passenger behaviour, advocating for a two-alcoholic drink limit at airports and onboard Ryanair flights. He remarked on the necessity of regulating alcohol consumption in airport bars, proposing a boarding pass stamp system to control the number of drinks consumed. The CEO remained undaunted by potential revenue losses from the proposed limit, prioritising passenger safety and comfort during flights.
As Ryanair pushes towards a fully digital check-in system, passengers are urged to adapt to the upcoming changes to avoid any disruptions to their travel plans. The airline’s focus on streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences through technological advancements signals a shift in the aviation industry towards greater digital integration and efficiency.