New rules for boarding passes — what changed and what it means for UK travellers flying to Tenerife

Airlines and airports are moving faster toward digital-only boarding passes, and that shift will affect travellers from the UK to Tenerife.

What actually changed

• Ryanair has implemented a move  to stop accepting printed boarding passes preferring app-only/mobile boarding passes.
• All passengers will need to download your boarding pass into the airline’s app  to get through security and board. 
• Other major carriers (British Airways, easyJet, etc.) continue to support mobile boarding passes via their apps and also still accept printed passes at many airports — but there are airport-specific exceptions and different scanning requirements (for example some airlines prefer app passes rather than a PDF). Always check the airline’s page before you travel. 
• Some airports and local operators still recommend printing travel documents as a fallback;
• Tenerife’s airport guidance still suggests travellers keep printed copies of e-tickets/boarding passes where appropriate. That means a digital-only airline policy and an airport recommendation.
• Confused? Don’t be. There will be an interim cross-over until everything is fully digital.

Why this matters specifically for travellers from the UK to Tenerife

1. If you fly Ryanair, you may not be allowed to use a home-printed PDF boarding pass — you’ll need the airline’s accepted digital pass (via its app). 
2. Practical travel risks: A dead phone battery, no mobile signal, or a phone that won’t display the QR/barcode correctly can lead to delays — and some airlines may charge fees for in-airport assistance with boarding passes. Check your airline’s policy.

Practical checklist — what to do before you fly to Tenerife

1. Check your airline’s current policy right now
   Look at the airline page for “mobile boarding pass / check-in” the week of travel. If it’s Ryanair, expect app-only rules;
2. If it’s BA / EasyJet / Jet2 etc., check whether they accept a printed pass at your departing airport. 
3. Download and save your boarding pass in multiple ways

• Download into the airline app and make sure it shows the QR/barcode.
• Save a screenshot of the boarding pass.
• Add the pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet if supported by  the airline.

3. Carry a printed copy as a backup — but only after checking your airline

• If your airline refuses printed passes, a printed copy may still help at the airport desk if your phone fails. Tenerife airport guidance still recommends printed travel documents for certain situations. 

4. Prepare for phone issues

• Fully charge your phone before you travel and bring a power bank.
• If you’re tech-nervous, consider printing the pass at your hotel or at airport kiosks before security — but confirm whether your airline will accept it.

5. Arrive with extra time

• Be aware that queues may be longer. 

6. Keep travel documents handy

• Passport (or accepted ID), booking reference, boarding pass screenshot, and app notifications — have them in one easy-to-reach place.

If things go wrong at Tenerife airport

• If your phone battery dies: go to your airline’s help desk/kiosk. 

Final takeaways

• Don’t assume “digital only” applies to all airlines yet, but prepare as if it might — especially on Ryanair services between the UK and Tenerife. 
• Best practice: download the pass to the airline app, save screenshots, add to your phone wallet if possible, bring a charged phone and a power bank, and you can also keep a printed copy backup . 

Tenerife Travel Boarding Pass Checklist (UK Travellers)

• Before You Travel
  Check your airline’s latest policy on boarding passes
• For easyJet, Jet2, BA, TUI, check if printed passes are still allowed
• Download Your Pass
  Download your boarding pass in your airline’s app
• Save a screenshot as a backup
• Add it to Apple Wallet / Google Wallet
• Fully charge your phone before travel
• Pack a power bank or charging cable
• Make sure your app works offline (Wi-Fi may be limited)

• Printed Copies (Optional)
  Print your e-ticket or confirmation email
• At the Airport
• Have your phone unlocked and boarding pass ready at security
• Arrive early 
• Keep passport and boarding pass together for quick access
• If Things Go Wrong
• Phone dead? Go to your airline desk for reissue (fees may apply)
• Staff asking for paper? Simply show your digital pass 

Safe Journey and Welcome to Tenerife!