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
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
- 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) - 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.
- 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)
- 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)
- 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).
- 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.