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Paper boarding passes could soon be obsolete, according to Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. The airline will not offer printable boarding passes, and Douglas predicts they will disappear within three to five years. This shift aligns with the growing trend among airlines to adopt digital technology for efficiency and waste reduction.
Douglas's view reflects a broader industry movement towards mobile boarding passes. Ryanair plans to eliminate paper passes by 2025, while Emirates already requires most passengers departing Dubai to use mobile boarding passes. In the United States, Alaska Airlines has stopped offering paper passes at kiosks but still provides them at check-in counters for those unable to use mobile options.
Mobile boarding passes are digital forms accessible on smartphones or tablets and contain scannable QR codes for gate entry. They are considered more secure than paper versions as they better protect personal information. However, some argue that paper passes remain necessary for certain travelers who prefer them or lack compatible devices.
