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 is starting to affect travellers from the UK to Tenerife. Below I explain what’s changed, why Tenerife-bound passengers should care, and give a simple, practical checklist so your holiday starts (and stays) stress-free.

What actually changed

  • Ryanair has announced a roll-out to stop accepting printed boarding passes and move to app-only/mobile boarding passes. Passengers will need to download their boarding pass into the airline’s app (or otherwise display the accepted digital pass) to get through security and board. (The Independent)
  • 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. (British Airways)
  • 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 can clash for a little while. (Aena)

Why this matters specifically for travellers from the UK to Tenerife

  1. Ryanair is a big player on UK–Tenerife routes. If you fly Ryanair (or any airline that adopts similar rules), you may not be allowed to use a home-printed PDF boarding pass — you’ll need the airline’s accepted digital pass (usually via its app). That affects many budget travellers who book cheap flights to Tenerife. (The Independent)
  2. Infrastructure and local advice can lag. Tenerife airports (Tenerife South/Tenerife North) have historically advised travellers to bring printed documents in some circumstances; that creates uncertainty if your airline says “digital only.” Plan for both possibilities. (Aena)
  3. Practical travel risks: dead phone battery, no mobile signal, or a phone that won’t display the QR/barcode properly can lead to delays — and some airlines have charged fees in the past for in-airport assistance with boarding passes. Check your airline’s policy on in-person reissuance or fees. (The Independent)

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; if it’s BA/easyJet/Jet2 etc., check whether they accept a printed pass at your departing airport. (The Independent)
  2. 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 (but be aware screenshots sometimes don’t work if the airline requires an app wallet or dynamic code).
  • Add the pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet if the airline supports that.
  1. 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 (some airlines will print one for you, sometimes for a fee). Tenerife airport guidance still recommends printed travel documents for certain situations. (Aena)
  1. 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. (EasyJet)
  1. Arrive with extra time
  • If policies or checks are new at the gate, queues can be longer. Arrive earlier than usual (especially for early morning or peak season flights).
  1. 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. Some airlines will reissue a boarding pass at the desk (policies vary; fees can apply for certain carriers). Confirm fee policy with your carrier beforehand. (The Independent)
  • If airport staff say they need printed docs: politely ask for confirmation which printed documents are required (boarding pass, e-ticket, etc.) and whether the airline desk can reprint for you. Tenerife airport pages still point travellers to print when unsure. (Aena)

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. (The Independent)
  • Best practice: download the pass to the airline app, save screenshots, add to your phone wallet if possible, bring a charged phone + power bank, and — if you prefer peace of mind — keep a printed backup after checking your airline’s rules. (British Airways)
  • A little preparation removes most of the stress: spend five minutes confirming your airline’s policy and you’ll be far less likely to be caught out at the gate.

If you’d like, I can:

  • Turn this into a short printable checklist you can tuck into your passport or email to a travel group, or
  • Check the specific airline and flight you (or your guests) are booked on and pull the exact boarding-pass rules for that carrier.

Which would be more useful?

Sure! Here’s a short, clear printable checklist you can hand out or keep for yourself — perfect for UK travellers flying to Tenerife under the new boarding pass rules.

✈️ Tenerife Travel Boarding Pass Checklist (UK Travellers)

Before You Go
☐ Check your airline’s latest policy on boarding passes
☐ If flying Ryanair, use the Ryanair App (printed passes not accepted)
☐ 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 if available

Phone Prep
☐ Fully charge your phone before travel
☐ Pack a power bank or charging cable
☐ Make sure your app works offline (Wi-Fi may be limited at airports)

Printed Copies (Optional but Wise)
☐ Print your e-ticket or confirmation email (Tenerife airports still recommend it)
☐ Bring printed copies in case of phone or app issues

At the Airport
☐ Have your phone unlocked and boarding pass ready at security
☐ Arrive early – new scanning rules can slow queues
☐ Keep passport + 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? Show your digital pass and ask if they can print one

Quick Tip:
🔋 A 5-minute prep before leaving home (downloading your pass, checking your airline’s rule, charging your phone) can save you missing your Tenerife flight.

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