Concerns are rising over the possibility of individuals facing obstacles in boarding Ryanair flights due to difficulties with technology. The budget carrier recently announced its transition to exclusively digital boarding passes starting November 12, eliminating the option for passengers to download and print their tickets beforehand. Approximately 20% of Ryanair travelers currently opt for this method, as indicated by the airline.
Ryanair stated that 206 million passengers already use digital boarding passes, implying that about 40 million journeys could face disruptions. Despite Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, highlighting that even his 86-year-old mother uses the Ryanair app for travel, the decision has sparked criticism, with various advocacy groups denouncing the move as discriminatory.
Organizations like Age UK and Silver Voice have expressed concerns that the shift will create challenges for individuals without smartphone access or those struggling with technology. Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, criticized the decision, labeling it as “disgraceful” and possibly discriminatory towards older passengers.
Several readers have also voiced their apprehensions about the change, highlighting issues faced by elderly relatives who may not be tech-savvy. While Mr. O’Leary reassured that the airline would be accommodating, allowing passengers with paper boarding passes during the initial phase of the switch, concerns remain about the impact on certain customer segments.
Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, emphasized that the move to digital boarding passes aims to enhance the travel experience by offering efficiency and eco-friendliness through the “myRyanair” app. The airline’s decision aligns with the trend in various industries, such as festivals and sports events, that have successfully transitioned to digital-only ticketing solutions.
The implementation of the digital boarding pass system has been postponed by a week to November 12 to avoid disruptions during the UK and Irish half-term period. Ryanair anticipates a seamless transition for customers and highlights the benefits of the new system, emphasizing improved convenience and sustainability in air travel.
