Ryanair, from 12 November only online check-in possible

Ryanair's revolution that abolishes paper check-in and accepts only online check-in. The company warns that passengers will no longer be able to download and print a physical paper boarding pass, but will instead have to use the digital boarding pass generated in their "myRyanair" app during check-in to board their flight, pointing out that already "almost 80% of Ryanair passengers" check in through the app. "As of 12 November, passengers will no longer be able to download and print a physical paper boarding pass, but will instead have to use the digital boarding pass generated in their "myRyanair" app during check-in to board their Ryanair flight," Ryanair's chief marketing officer Dara Brady recalls in a note. Other low-cost airlines have already said they will not adopt this solution.

Consumers' associations are already on the warpath and Federconsumatori points out that 'the provisions on online check-in, active since 12 November, create significant discrimination and inconvenience for passengers, especially those who are less familiar with digital tools'. The association points out that those checking in at the airport will have to pay a surcharge of €55 per passenger and another surcharge for re-issuing boarding passes. "There is a way to avoid the surcharge: just pay more of course!" writes Federconsumatori.

Thus, those who do not have the means to check in online, do not have a sufficient connection or charge to download and show their boarding pass at the airport, generally have technical problems with their device, or simply have it forgiven/taken away, will find themselves having to pay a surcharge in many cases exceeding the cost of the ticket.

For these reasons, Federconsumatori calls on Agcm, the competition authority, to intervene: "we invite Ryanair to rethink its corporate policies with a view to greater fairness, transparency and accessibility".