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Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Ryanair's big claim about new check-in rule - but travel expert isn't convinced
Ryanair has announced that it will move to 100% paperless boarding from November and claimed that "almost all" airport check-in fees will be eliminated as a result A travel expert has questioned a claim made by Ryanair ahead of a major change to the budget airline's check-in policy. On November 3 Ryanair will move to 100% paperless boarding passes, meaning all passengers will have to present a downloaded, digital boarding pass. When the change comes in, Ryanair says it "expects to eliminate almost all airport check-in fees from Nov 2025, as all passengers will have checked-in online/in-app to generate their digital boarding pass." However, that claim has raised some big questions. Primarily, how will the new system stop people checking-in late, and what check-in fees are expected to remain? In its expansive table of fees, Ryanair notes that passengers who fail to check in two hours or more before their flight departs will be charged £55. Even worse, the budget airline recently introduced a £100 'late departure fee'. The charge kicks in if a traveler arrives at the desk less than 40 minutes before departure and requests rebooking. It also applies up to one hour after the flight leaves, if the passenger wants to catch the next available service. There is nothing to suggest that the new regime will stop Ryanair customers from checking-in late, or that the new £100 fee will be removed. Paul Scott, founder of travel comparison site My Budget Break who has worked for and with airlines for years, questioned whether "almost all airport check-in fees" would be eliminated. "Ryanair has said they will 'eliminate almost all airport check-in fees', which indicates there may still be some sort of fee. Until Ryanair clarifies this, we can only speculate, but being ambiguous allows them flexibility on the policy," he told the Mirror. "They may not be sure themselves, or this could be as simple as giving passengers a grace period. After all, check-in fees generate revenue for Ryanair. However, with this policy in place, Ryanair could completely refuse passengers without a digital boarding pass. With this in mind, the best thing to do is to get the app and check-in online to help minimise fees." The Mirror contacted Ryanair and requested that the airline clarify the situation. The firm did offer some advice for passengers who may not be used to working with digital boarding passes. "If you don't have a smartphone, you have two options, you can ask a friend or family member to download the boarding pass for you or check in online and visit the check-in desk at the airport who will provide assistance," a spokesperson said. Broadly, the move away from paper boarding passes has been welcomed by the aviation community. "Ryanair's move to 100% online boarding passes is a no-brainer in today's digital age. You'll still need to use the baggage drop machines and desks if you have check-in luggage, but it certainly won't stop the surprise baggage fees we all love to hate when our hand luggage doesn't meet the correct dimensions," Paul added. "Is putting a sustainability spin on it 'green-washing'? Perhaps. It's likely to be less about saving the planet and more to do with economics, as it could mean fewer airport staff, fewer airport costs, quicker turnaround times, or simply making sure everyone is a Ryanair member for additional upsells. However, for most of our customers who already use the myRyanair app to check-in and access their boarding passes as part of their package holidays, it will be business as usual."
Metro
25-04-2025
- Metro
Jet2 slashes £100 off trips to European 'paradise' after UK travel company folds
Holidaymakers have been left 'devastated' after Balkan Holidays shut down with immediate affect, cancelling hundreds of holidays. But Jet2 could be coming to the rescue, as they're giving £100 off on all trips to Bulgaria – the destination that Balkan specialised in. A statement from Jet2holidays said they're 'making rebooking simple and easy for those impacted by the closure of Balkan Holidays.' By using the discount count BULGARIA100, customers can save £100 per booking on all Summer 25 holidays to the European hotspot. The deal even extends to Summer 26 holidays too. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2holidays said: 'The closure of Balkan Holidays is very sad news indeed, and our thoughts are with everyone who is impacted. 'We know there are many customers wanting to enjoy their well-deserved holidays to the Bulgarian sunshine, so we are making it easier for them by offering them money off, as well as a simple and easy way to book.' Jet2 is already in the midst of their Big Jet2 Price Drop, which gives customers £100 off per person if they have a myJet2 account (and £90 off without one). Combined, it means the two deals can offer up some pretty big savings, both of which can be combined with their Free Child Place Holidays, where one child can holiday with two full-paying adults for no extra cost. Known for golden sands, rich history and verdant forests, Bulgaria is fast becoming an alternative to traditional hotspots, as travellers move away from overcrowded resorts in Spain and France. It was even named in the prestigious New York Times 52 places to go in 2025 (ranked at 50). The publication dubbed it's capital city, Sofia, a 'cultural crossroads' and praised its 'many underrated wines.' You also get more bang for your buck in Bulgaria. Paul Scott, founder of travel comparison site My Budget Break, previously told Metro that wallet-friendly prices in Bulgaria are key to its appeal. 'When you compare it to the likes of the Canary Islands and even Turkey, you can often get more for your money for a package holiday, especially as the tourism infrastructure is already there,' he said. And visitors seem to love Bulgaria. One TripAdvisor reviewer called its seaside town, Sozopol, 'paradise on Earth', while another said it was 'an absolute gem… offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and seaside charm.' Meanwhile, visitors have praised the capital, Sofia, for its 'breathtaking' cathedral, and 'lovely vibe'. Balkan Holidays ceased trading on April 25, after nearly 60 years of providing package holidays. The operator, which launched in 1966, specialised in Bulgarian holidays and offered departures from 17 UK airports – more than any other British tour operator. It also ran trips to Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta and Northern Cyprus. At its peak, the company served 130,000 travellers a year. However, in recent years, figures have dropped significantly, and the provider was licensed to carry just 27,817 ATOL-protected passengers in the year to the end of March 2026. In a statement shared on its social media accounts and website, the tour operator offers its 'sincere apologies' to customers. More Trending It read: 'We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd has, as of 24th of April 2025, closed for business in the UK. Clients currently on holiday will be unaffected. 'The company remains solvent, but has ceased trading, however all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled. All clients will be notified and refunded in full. May we kindly ask for patience as we process the refunds and appreciate your understanding. 'Thank you for your past business and please accept our most sincere apologies for the disappointment and inconvenience.' Metro's senior foreign reporter Gergana Krasteva grew up in Bulgaria. For the first 18 years of her life, she spent summer exploring the country's Black Coast, and now she's given us its secrets. 'One ancient legend about the Black Sea says it holds the entrance to the kingdom of the dead. Nowadays, if you follow the sound of music rolling over its shores, you will find something far livelier,' Gergana says. 'Sunny Beach holds the crown for the most popular resort, visited by millions of tourists from the UK, Russia, and Scandinavia every year. 'But beyond the glitz, people wanting to experience the true spirit of the Black Sea should visit Cape Kaliakra, a secluded cove framed by cliffs. For 18 years, I spent three months every summer holidaying at Kaliakra and the nearby Rusalka beach, and trust me, the water alone is worth it. 'The beaches of Durankulak and Krapets are secrets that Bulgarians have been holding onto for decades, sending all tourists to Sunny Beach instead.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Italian island with perfect 'little Tahiti' beach gets new direct UK route MORE: 'The only place that still does free tapas': Your favourite Spanish cities that aren't Barcelona or Madrid MORE: European gem that's 'better than Monaco' is 23°C in May with £55 flights
