TUI, easyJet, and BA Adjust Boarding Pass Policies Following Ryanair’s Decision to Eliminate Paper Passes
In a move that signals a shift towards digitalization in the aviation industry, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has declared that the airline plans to go fully digital by May 2025, with a phasing out of airport check-in desks. This announcement means that Ryanair will no longer accept printed boarding passes, mandating passengers to have their boarding passes ready for scanning on their smartphones. While this transition may present a technological challenge for some passengers, Ryanair asserts that 60% of its travellers already utilise digital boarding passes, rendering traditional paper passes increasingly obsolete. Moreover, the move may eradicate the hefty £55 fine that Ryanair currently imposes on passengers who fail to check in and download their boarding passes in advance, thereby eliminating hidden costs for passengers.
Given the diversity of airline policies, it is essential for passengers to be aware of the specific boarding pass regulations of the airline they are flying with. TUI, for instance, offers online check-in for all customers travelling on TUI flights with flight numbers beginning with TOM. However, customers flying with a different airline after booking through TUI should refer to that airline’s website for their respective boarding pass rules. Instructing their customers, TUI’s website explains: “To log into the airline website you will be asked for your flight reference number. Please note, this is not the same as your TUI booking reference. Your flight reference number will be a 6-character alpha-numeric code and can be found on your booking confirmation, e-ticket or in manage my booking on the TUI website.”
On the other hand, easyJet encourages the use of its app for downloading mobile boarding passes, although certain airports in their network may mandate printed passes. The airports that require paper boarding passes include ADB – Izmir, AGA – Agadir, AYT – Antalya, and others. Passengers departing from these airports can still check in online at www.easyJet.com but will need a printed boarding pass for their flight. Additionally, many of these airports may necessitate passengers to undergo a document check before proceeding to security.
British Airways (BA) accommodates both digital and traditional printed boarding passes, with a special feature for Apple Watch users. By installing the British Airways app on their iPhone and Apple Watch, passengers can receive notifications when check-in for their flight opens. After checking in and downloading their boarding pass, passengers can access it offline on their Apple device. Alternatively, passengers can print their boarding passes on regular paper for seamless security clearance, contingent upon the regulations of their departure airport.
This strategic shift towards digital boarding passes by airlines like Ryanair underscores the industry’s commitment towards enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with the boarding pass policies of their respective airlines to ensure a smooth travel experience. As aviation continues to evolve technologically, embracing digital solutions such as mobile boarding passes is becoming increasingly commonplace among airlines, ushering in a new era of convenience for passengers.