Major UK airlines are implementing significant changes to their boarding pass policies, with a strong push towards digital systems. Travellers in 2026 must be aware of the specific rules for each carrier to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey through the airport.
The Digital Shift and Ryanair's Strict Policy
The landscape of air travel check-in is changing rapidly. Ryanair has now fully transitioned to a digital-only boarding pass system, completely eliminating paper passes. Passengers must have their digital pass ready to scan on their mobile device at the airport. The airline cited that 60% of customers were already using digital passes as a key reason for the move.
This shift comes with a stern financial warning for those who forget. Passengers who fail to check in online and download their pass face a hefty £55 fee to check in at the airport. However, Ryanair has confirmed a safety net: if you have checked in online but your phone is lost or the battery dies, staff will print a boarding pass for free at the airport.
Flexible and Hybrid Approaches from BA and EasyJet
In contrast, British Airways continues to offer passengers a choice, accepting both digital and printed boarding passes. After online check-in, you can download your pass to your phone or print it on plain A4 paper at home. It's important to note that some specific routes still mandate a printed copy, but BA provides free printing at airport kiosks if you don't have a printer.
The BA app enhances the experience by sending alerts when check-in opens and providing live flight updates. A significant feature is the ability to access your pass and flight details even without an internet connection. Apple Watch users can also download their pass directly to their wrist.
EasyJet actively promotes its app for digital boarding passes, highlighting convenience for flight updates and environmental benefits from reduced paper waste. Nevertheless, the airline still accepts printed boarding passes for those who prefer them.
A crucial exception applies to several destination airports where digital technology is not yet supported. For flights to these locations, a printed pass is required. The list includes destinations in Albania, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Serbia, Tunisia, and Turkey. EasyJet will print these for free at the airport if you are unable to do so at home.
Checking Your Carrier and TUI's Specifics
For holidaymakers, a vital first step is verifying your flight operator. If you've booked a package with TUI, your flight number typically starts with TOM or BY. If it doesn't, you are likely flying with a partner airline like easyJet and must follow their specific rules.
For confirmed TUI flights, both digital and printed passes are accepted. If printing, ensure it's on clean, un-torn A4 paper with a perfectly scannable barcode. Standard check-in opens 48 hours before departure. However, passengers who have booked Premium, Extra Legroom, or Extra Space seats, or used the 'Select Your Seat' feature, gain a significant advantage: they can check in a full 14 days before their flight.
The key takeaway for 2026 is to always check your airline's specific policy well before travel. While the industry is moving digitally, options and exceptions remain. Ensuring you have the correct format of boarding pass is the simplest way to avoid unnecessary stress and costly charges at the airport.
