People ‘less likely to book flights with Ryanair’ after paper boarding passes were scrapped, according to new study

More than half of people would be less likely to book with an airline charged additional fees for not using a digital boarding pass, according to new research. 

Last week, Ryanair implemented new rules cross its operations, with Ryanair passengers no longer be able to use a printed boarding pass. 

The carrier is switching to paperless boarding passes, which mean the passenger to will need to download a digital version generated on the Ryanair app during check-in. 

The new rule has been subject to much controversy, with fears it will impact older travellers and those without smartphones.

Ryanair will now charge an additional £55 airport checking in fee for those who don’t check in online ahead of their flight.

But now, it has been revealed nearly 60 per cent of Brits are less likely to book with an airline that charges passengers for not having a digital boarding pass. 

Given Ryanair is now one such airline that charges extra if you don’t check in online ahead of the flight and have a digital boarding pass, it could see fewer people booking its flights.

The airline has said that if passengers have checked in online but cannot access their boarding pass, they will be given one for free at their departing airport. 

Nearly six in ten people (58 per cent) would be less likely to book with an airline that charges additional fees for not having a digital boarding pass, according to new research from finanical services comparison site Go.Compare.

The study of 2,000 people found nearly half (42 per cent) of those aged 65 and over said they would be ‘much less likely’ to book with that airline charging extra if you don’t have a digital boarding pass. 

‘Nobody should feel excluded from flying, or put at risk of missing their flight, just because they don’t own a smartphone,’ said Dr Carole Easton, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, a charity that aims to tackle inequalities in ageing.

The organisation says there are 4.5 million people in the UK who have never been online while only three-quarters of 65-year-olds have a smartphone.

She told the Daily Mail: ‘While it is understandable why businesses should want to encourage their customers to always take the digital option, that is not always possible for everyone.

‘People should not be excluded or penalised financially just because they might struggle to access these digital options. ‘

She added: ‘We recognise that Ryanair have said there will still be options for passengers to obtain a physical boarding pass free of charge at the airport.

‘We wait to see how easy that is to obtain in reality and in the rush to make a flight. But people will rightly ask is it fair for customers to be charged extra if they can’t get online to check in, or would rather have the reassurance of being checked in by an actual human being who might answer any questions or concerns they may have?’

Ryanair will now charge an additional £55 airport checking in fee for those who don’t check in online ahead of their flight and have a digital boarding pass

Those aged 18 to 24 also weren’t keen either, with 66 per cent revealing they would be much less likely or somewhat less likely to book with an airline that charged extra – compared with an average of 57 per cent for those aged 55 and over.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: ‘When looking at updating ticketing, companies must not forget the 4 million people who have never used the internet and the many others with limited digital skills or do not have a smart phone. 

‘There should always be an alternative way of booking and showing tickets that does not disadvantage those who aren’t online.’ 

Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare Travel Insurance, said: ‘With the news that Ryanair is implementing a £55 fee for passengers who turn up without a digital boarding pass, we asked customers whether fees like this would make them consider booking with a different airline – and many indicated it would.

‘In our new research, nearly six in ten people (58 per cent) said they would be less likely to book plane tickets with an airline that charges a fee if you don’t have a digital boarding pass – like Ryanair now does.

‘With the cost of living still high and households watching their spending carefully, it’s no surprise that travellers are weighing up all the costs.

‘We would urge travellers to do their research when it comes to booking a holiday – not only in terms of their flights and any associated costs, but also with their travel insurance.

‘Having the right travel policy in place is a vital protection in case anything goes wrong, when you’re far away from home and in need of help.’ 

Passengers who fail to check in online are either ‘stupid or have ignored email instructions,’ according to the airline’s boss, Michael O’Leary

A statement from Ryanair said: ‘Ryanair operates over 3,600 flights per day, carrying over 207 million + annual passengers.

‘Since 2008, all passengers have been required to check in online free of charge, and that remains unchanged.

‘To be clear, Ryanair passengers are not charged for not having a digital boarding pass. Once a passenger has checked in prior to their flight, they will be assisted at the airport. If a passenger has not checked in before arriving at the airport, an airport check-in fee will apply.

‘Our move to 100 per cent digital boarding, introduced this week, has been a huge success.’