Ryanair has been accused of turning its back on elderly travellers after confirming plans to scrap paper boarding passes in favour of a digital-only system from November.
The low-cost carrier, led by Michael O’Leary, will force the 40 million passengers who currently rely on printed tickets to switch to using its smartphone app from 12 November. Campaigners said the decision would isolate older customers, with millions lacking the skills or devices needed to navigate the change.
Silver Voices, an over-60s lobby group, branded the move “disgraceful” and argued it amounted to discrimination against those who struggle with technology. Director Dennis Reed said: “They are effectively saying they don’t want older people as passengers. This will cause chaos and isolate people who don’t have smartphones. If someone turns up at the airport without the app, what happens — are they simply turned away?”
Charity Age UK also criticised the plan, warning that it could disadvantage four million Britons who have never used the internet, along with many more who lack modern Android or Apple devices. Caroline Abrahams, charity director, said: “There should always be an alternative way of booking and showing tickets that does not disadvantage those who aren’t online.”
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