Everyone's favourite budget airline Ryanair is set to bring in a new rule next year, which could save money for holidaymakers.
You can't deny the fact that Ryanair has changed the game when it comes to low budget travel. Yes, you may have to sit on a seat littered with the previous passenger's crumbs and stuff all of your clothes into a tiny under the seat bag, but who cares when it means that you can travel abroad for as little as £15* (*extra baggage and seat selection not included).
And now, it seems like the Irish airline is looking to revolutionise low-budget travel even further.
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The latest change is regarding how passengers check-in for their flights, with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary explaining how the airline is planning to go completely electronic from next spring.
"We will get rid of ticket desks and then there's no reason to charge people for airport check-in," he explained at the Dublin press event (via The Mirror).
"We want to get rid of airport checks in the same way we got rid of bag [desks]... nothing will be done on paper anymore."
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The businessman went on to reveal that he is hoping to roll out the change by spring next year, adding: "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."
Surprisingly, O'Leary admitted that he himself had been 'reluctant' to use the app in the past, but added that the electronic system 'works so well'.
"I have been reluctant to go on the app because I am terrified to get on a flight without a piece of paper, but it works so well. It tells you your gate and if there is a delay," he said.
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As for the reason Ryanair is looking to scrap ticket desks? You guessed it, money saving measures.
O'Leary stated that current data reveals around 60% of Ryanair's customers rely on the app for check-in, a figure which is expected to rise to 80% before the change over in 2025.
Of course, the electronic change over will be a cause of concern for older generations or anyone who doesn't currently use a smartphone. It also doesn't factor in the nightmare scenario where your phone battery dies before making it to the departure gate.
However, the businessman was keen to reassure passengers the airline already has procedures in place for this, adding: "If your battery dies we have your seat and your passport and we can do that at the boarding gates at the moment. We sometimes do that if someone's phone doesn’t scan for some reason.
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"Once we have the name and passport that's fine but everyone will be on the app."
Here's hoping there'll be even cheaper airfares next year.
Topics: Ryanair, Travel, World News, Business
Brenna Cooper