In September, low-cost carrier Ryanair announced that it would only accept digital boarding passes starting from 12 November.
The airline now requires passengers to check in online and generate their boarding pass on the Ryanair app.
Ryanair’s online guidelines suggest that printed paper boarding passes are no longer accepted other than in particular circumstances, such as a passenger not owning a smartphone.
However, one EU country has warned that the airline’s new measures risk non-compliance with air passenger rights.
Does Ryanair only accept digital boarding passes?
As of Wednesday 12 November, Ryanair passengers are required to have their boarding pass in digital format on their myRyanair app.
The move has raised concerns about elderly passengers who may not own or be comfortable using a smartphone.
Travellers are also questioning what they should do if their phone runs out of battery, is stolen or they lose internet connection.
Portugal’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has issued guidance on the new rules to clarify passenger rights.
After analysing both the information provided by the carrier on its website and additional clarifications, ANAC concludes that: “It appears that Ryanair intends to guarantee all passenger rights, including those of passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility or who do not have a smartphone or tablet.”
“It also intends not to apply a boarding pass reissue fee to those who have checked in online.”
Portugal says Ryanair cannot refuse paper boarding passes
However, the authority adds that it has informed Ryanair of certain obligations to ensure it does not violate passenger rights.
It states that the carrier must refrain from any behaviour that prevents passengers in Portugal with a confirmed flight reservation and who have checked in from boarding because they do not have a digital boarding pass.
Ryanair must also not impose mandatory fees for obtaining and using physical (paper) boarding passes.
In a sense, this is what Ryanair has already confirmed: that travellers can request a paper boarding pass free of charge at airport check-in desks, provided they are already checked in online.
But it’s an extra layer of security for passengers in Portugal, underlining that they do not need a particular reason (such as losing their phone) to be permitted to board without a digital version of their boarding pass.
“ANAC will continue to monitor the situation, fulfilling its mission to ensure safety and compliance with the rights of air transport passengers,” the authority said in a statement.
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