Ryanair will be scrapping airport check-in desks and paper boarding passes this year in a bid to streamline operations and cut costs – and we want to hear your thoughts
Ryanair has announced plans for the airline to fully digital from May this year, and we want to know if you prefer paper or digital boarding passes.
In most cases, flyers can either download their boarding pass ahead of their flight, or opt for a printed version of their travel document. However, the latest move means the airline will not be accepting printed passes, with travellers required to have theirs available to scan on the mobile app.
What’s more, the airline will also be scrapping airport check-in desks in a bid to streamline operations and cut costs. Speaking at a press event in Dublin last year, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said: “We will get rid of ticket desks and then there’s no reason to charge people for airport check-in.
“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.”
It comes after Ryanair claims 60 percent of their customers use digital boarding passes, with paper versions plummeting in popularity. Mr O’Leary predicts a complete switch to the app by next year: “I think from May next year it will be 100% the app.
“I have been reluctant to go on the app because I am terrified to get on a flight without a piece of paper, but it works so well. It tells you your gate and if there is a delay”, reports RSVP Live.
Commenting on the shift in customer behaviour, he explained: “The customers who want the piece of paper are the same demographic that when we first moved over to the internet they wouldn’t move over but were then the first ones to switch to the internet for cheaper airfares.
“If your battery dies we have your seat and your passport and we can do that at the boarding gates at the moment. We sometimes do that if someone’s phone doesn’t scan for some reason. Once we have the name and passport that’s fine but everyone will be on the app.”
However, travel experts have warned that the changes could mean passengers will have to spend extra on tech before their trip. Ante Dagelić, CEO of GetByFerry said: “Digital boarding passes can be highly convenient for travellers, allowing quick check-in and minimising the risk of boarding passes being lost or damaged when moving through airports or enjoying hospitality at airport gates.
“But they do require passengers to have access to a smartphone or device which the boarding pass can be accessed on.” With Finder data suggesting that around 18 percent of retirement-aged Brits don’t own a smartphone, an estimated 2.2 million UK citizens may be unable to adhere to Ryanair’s latest development, reports the Daily Record.
Following the latest announcement, we want to know if you prefer digital or paper boarding passes? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
