Are travellers on board with digital-only check-ins?

Travellers are being urged to ensure they are prepared as some airlines start moving towards fully digital check-in systems.

With a recent survey from Tiger.co.uk revealing nearly half of passengers (43%) prefer to print their boarding passes when flying, this shift towards digital-only check-ins has raised alarm bells among some travellers.

The survey also highlighted that one in four people would be put off flying with an airline that only uses digital boarding passes, with most concerns surrounding elderly people and those who aren’t too familiar with technology.

Worries have also been raised about potential phone glitches or app failures.

This comes after a popular budget airline announced it was embracing the digital age by getting rid of paper boarding passes this November. The airline promises these changes will provide a smoother, more efficient travel experience for passengers, as well as environmental benefits by reducing paper waste.*

While the new changes will not affect travellers heading on holidays this summer, experts are encouraging people to use this transition time to start getting familiar with digital check-ins so they’re well-adjusted before the paper boarding passes are eliminated completely.

To avoid disruptions, travellers should ensure their mobile devices are fully charged before heading to the airport and carry a portable charger with them if possible.

It’s also important to download all necessary travel documents beforehand rather than relying on internet access at the airport.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “While digital check-ins offer convenience and minimise paper waste, not everyone is on board with the shift away from paper boarding passes.

“With nearly half of travellers still preferring to print out their boarding passes, there are valid concerns about accessibility, particularly for older people and those who aren’t savvy with smartphones.

“With the changes now delayed until the end of the year, we encourage travellers to take advantage of this transition period to get comfortable with digital check-ins and avoid disruptions at the airport once the new systems are in place.

“Taking simple steps like downloading boarding passes in advance, ensuring mobile devices are fully charged before arriving at the airport and carrying a backup power source can help prevent last-minute travel stress.

“Those who worry about tech-related issues preventing them from accessing their boarding passes and causing travel disruptions can also have peace of mind by ensuring they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers missed departures and unexpected travel issues.”

Tiger.co.uk can help holidaymakers compare travel insurance and find savings on annual travel insurance, travel insurance for families and even those who need travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.

References:

SURVEY – Findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during February 2025, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

*https://www.travelandtourworld.com/ne