Bristol Live
Alex Dunne & Elaine Blackburne
04 October 2024
The budget airline's CEO Michael O'Leary says while he has reservations about the move it will reduce the number of staff required at airports and help keep prices low
Ryanair has announced that all passengers will be required to check-in for flights using its online app from May, a move that could potentially ground those without smartphones. At present, customers are strongly urged to check in online, as failure to do so results in a €55 charge at the airport.
However, CEO Michael O'Leary has expressed his intention to eliminate check-in desks within the next six months. This would mean that any passenger without a smartphone would be unable to board a Ryanair flight.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Mr O'Leary stated: "We will get rid of ticket desks and then there's no reason to charge people for airport check-in."
He added: "We want to get rid of airport checks in the same way we got rid of bag [desks]. We are working towards from May 1 that everything will be done on the app, nothing will be done on paper anymore."
He further predicted: "It will probably be around April or May of next year, after Easter. I think from May next year it will be 100% the app."