Ryanair to Eliminate Paper Boarding Passes

Ryanair confirmed this week it will transition to a fully digital boarding process starting November 12, 2023. The change requires passengers traveling to and from Cork Airport to use digital boarding passes exclusively. RTÉ News reported the airline announced the policy on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

The airline’s decision has prompted criticism, particularly from advocates for senior citizens who argue the move disadvantages those less comfortable with mobile technology. An advocate in Cork has appealed to the Irish Minister for Transport and the Minister of State for Older People to address the situation, calling the decision “appalling.”

CEO O’Leary Dismisses concerns as “Patronising”

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary defended the policy, expressing his surprise at the level of outrage. The independent quoted O’Leary stating, “I’m old, and I travel [with] Ryanair on a very regular basis.” He added that he finds the Ryanair app “pretty simple [and] pretty easy to use.”

O’Leary characterized the concerns as “slightly patronising,” asserting that older individuals will adapt to the new technology. “They will just convert and move because that’s what they do,” he stated. He believes that older travelers are capable of embracing mobile technology and apps.

Accessibility Concerns and Potential Impact

While Ryanair emphasizes the simplicity of its app, critics point to broader digital literacy gaps, particularly among older populations.According to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) of ireland, in 2022, 53% of individuals aged 75 and over reported using the internet at least once in the previous three months, compared to 95% of those aged 16-24.This highlights a important digital divide.

The shift to digital-only boarding passes could create barriers for those without smartphones, limited data plans, or the technical skills to navigate the app. It also raises concerns for travelers who may experience technical difficulties or have accessibility needs that are not adequately addressed by the digital system.

Hear’s a breakdown of internet usage by age group in Ireland (2022):