Ryanair boss hits back at backlash over changes to boarding pass rules

It was announced today that Ryanair will move to digital only boarding passes, scrapping the paper alternative. 

Many people were quick to criticise the decision, saying that older people would struggle with the change. 

However, Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary, has responded saying it's "patronising" to say that, according to the Irish Examiner. 

“I’m old, and I travel from Ryanair on a very, very regular basis, and I use the Ryanair app, it is pretty simple, pretty easy to use," he said.

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The 64-year-old added that his mother, who is 86, also uses the app. 

He says that the belief that older people cannot adapt to technology is a "myth." 

“They don’t go to concerts anymore but the minute there’s a seat sale on Ryanair they’re in like a bandit either on their laptop or on their mobile app. It is slightly patronising, this notion that old people can’t and won’t move to mobile technology or to the apps,” O'Leary said.

From November 12th, the switch to digital boarding passes will be made. 

Ryanair says the change is to facilitate smoother transitions through the airport and onto the plane. 

It was decided following a particularly busy mid-term break. 

There will be a grace period between Christmas and January where people will not be refused access to the plane if they do have a printed out boarding pass. 

For those concerned about phones being stolen, lost, or dead, O'Leary says that if you have checked in, your name will be in the Ryanair system and you will still be able to fly. 

80% of the airline's passengers already use digital boarding passes.