Ryanair & reference/print out

Question

Slightly daft question perhaps but I might have to make a last minute booking for someone tonight. Unfortunately, our printer isn't working so I won't be able to print off the email with the reference & I won't be able to get to an internet cafe. I've been told that Ryanair insist that you provide not just the reference number of the flight but a print out of the email & if you don't have it, they'll charge you to print it out - this did actually happen to someone I work with, possibly it was just some useless jobsworth or profits were down that week, I'm not sure. Has anyone just used their reference number at the desk to check in recently?

Answer 1

Jojeba's answer is correct. I fly with them all the time and all I need is the booking reference number and my passport.

If I have checked in online then I need to take the boarding pass printout you get with me.

Answer 2

I think what happened to your friend is that they checked in online and then didn't print out their online boarding pass - that is when Ryanair will charge you a boarding pass reissue fee.  

Your booking reference and your boarding pass are seperate.  Your booking reference is simply that - the reference of your booking.  Your boarding pass is what you get once you are checked in, and therefore, if you don't print that out, they cannot check you in again and that is why they have to charge you to reprint your original pass.

So, if you don't check in online then all you need when you go to the check-in desk is your booking reference code and your passport.  (To be honest, all you need is your passport, but they make it difficult for you if you don't have your reference so I'd advise writing it down and taking it with you).  

Please note, however, that if you are not checking in online, you will have to pay an airport check-in fee when you make the booking.

(You CAN pay this at the airport, but it's a lot of hassle, and is done at a seperate desk to check-in)!

Good luck.

Answer 3

Have you seen the news to-day. Make sure you book Ryanair through their website, and not a comparison site otherwise you will be refused at check in. Your money will be refunded, ( you will have to re claim it back ) and you will be given the option to purchase another ticket, or lose your flight

Answer 4

up until recently I used ryanair almost every week. I think it depends on the airport that you are checking in. I have often checked where they never even looked at my print out, they just took my name from my ID, In saying that at other airports I have seen where the check in agent insisted on having the print out ( not just the reference number ) I think it all depends on whether you have Ryanair staff check you in or a contract agent which are at some airports.