Ryanair’s Check-in Change: Is Budget Travel Over?
Ryanair’s “Innovation”
Well, Ryanair has done it again! This time, no more airport check-in. Instead of standing at the counter and waiting for someone to take your luggage and give you your boarding pass, now here it is, from home – all through an application. For those who want to play it safe and check-in at the last minute at the airport – bad luck! Either you do it online, or… you don’t travel.
Convenience or Chaos?
Forget about using the “good old” paper ticket if you intend to travel with Ryanair – instead from May 1 2025, you’ll only be able to check in via their app.
Naturally, tech lovers will love this- it’s quick, easy, and only requires a few clicks. However, what about those who are not the closest of friends with technology? Or just want to get their boarding pass at the airport?
Imagine elderly passengers who may have dead batteries or are not familiar with the whole new digital concept – they will require more than just good fortune to get on the plane.
This is all part of Ryanair’s cost-cutting and counter-removal strategy and even though it sounds “futuristic,” we won’t be shocked if those who prefer more conventional approaches begin to feel anxious and confused at airports.
The Bigger Picture: Is Budget Travel Dying?
Ryanair is not the first airline to make this move – EasyJet, Wizz Air – they all seem to have forgotten the old-fashioned counter service. After all, Wizz Air has been penalizing passengers for a long time if they don’t check in online, so you have to pay extra to do it at the airport.
Imagine, for a few clicks that you might have missed in hurry – that’s the extra cost. Maybe soon we will even need to pay for the “luxury” of sitting on a chair in the terminal? And when you arrive, will there be a new “open plane door” charge?
Everything in the airline industry seems to turn into a survival game: if you don’t do everything on time, the system punishes you.
We’re getting closer to DIY travel, and the question is, is there still room for true budget travel? Will prices that were once magical now turn into something that comes with lots of hidden extras and digital gimmicks?
Traveling was once an adventure, and now – adventure is how to avoid penalties.
So… What Does the Future Hold?
Perhaps this is just the beginning of a new era of “exceptional self-service”. Next – driving your own plane? Do you think we will have to pay for something that we previously got for free?
Let us know on our socials what you think of the new changes and if you have a story to share!
