Ryanair is accused of denied elderly travelers after confirming plans to take up digital systems from November.
Low-cost airlines led by Michael O’Leary will force 40 million passengers, who are currently relying on printed tickets to use their smartphone apps starting Nov. 12. The campaigners say the decision will quarantine older customers while millions lack the skills or equipment needed to navigate changes.
Silver Voices, a lobby group in the 1960s, was branded as a “shameful” and saw it as a discrimination against those who fought against technology. Director Dennis Reed said: “They are actually saying they don’t want older people as passengers. It can lead to confusion and isolation of people without smartphones. What happens if someone without the app shows up at the airport – are they just turning around and leaving?”
The British charity era also criticized the plan, warning that it could be detrimental to the 4 million British people who have never used the internet, and more British people who lack modern Android or Apple devices. “There should always be another alternative to booking and displaying adverse tickets,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director.
Ryanair initially considered passing through axe paper in the summer, but delayed the conversion after fears of widespread chaos in the peak travel era. The airline claims the move will create a “faster, smarter, greener” travel experience, reducing waste of 300 tons per year and reducing airport check-in fees. It insists that about 80% of passengers already use digital applications.
For those who lose their cell phones or die of a battery after check-in, Ryanair said airport staff will help for free. It also believes that for some passengers with vision impairment, the app is easier to access and that the screen reader is able to read ticket details.
Despite these assurances, critics accuse airlines of prioritizing cost cuts over customer service. Reid said he would boycott Ryanair and urge others to do so.
The airline became the first major European airline to ban paper passes altogether, with competitors including British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air and Tui still offering print tickets.
