In 2025, major global airlines are accelerating their shift toward paperless travel by adopting digital check-in, mobile apps, AI assistants, and self-service technologies to streamline passenger experiences. While physical passports are still required, Ryanair leads the charge by eliminating printed boarding passes entirely, with others like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways enhancing digital service through AI-driven innovations.
(Image Source)
GLOThe aviation industry is rapidly evolving, and in 2025, one of the most transformative shifts underway is the move toward fully digital, paperless travel experiences. According to a new report by APH, ten of the world’s major airlines are investing in mobile-first strategies, artificial intelligence (AI), and self-service technologies to streamline check-in, boarding, and customer interaction while reducing reliance on paper documentation.
Key Industry-Wide Trends
The research reveals that all ten airlines now offer digital check-in via websites or mobile apps, real-time travel updates, and some form of self-service kiosk at airports. While traditional options like printed boarding passes remain available in most cases, the industry is clearly pivoting toward digital-first experiences. Notable trends include:
-
AI Assistants: Airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines are deploying generative AI tools to improve customer service and flight management.
-
Biometric and Digital ID Trials: British Airways is leading biometric boarding trials, and Japan Airlines is experimenting with digital health credentials.
-
Wider Check-In Windows: Airlines like EasyJet and Jet2 offer digital check-in up to 30 days before departure.
-
Contactless Airport Experiences: All airlines are expanding self-service options, including bag-drop kiosks and mobile-based boarding passes.
Airline Highlights
- Air France
Offers 30-hour digital check-in, real-time app updates, and plans to roll out high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi, while retaining both digital and physical boarding options. - British Airways
Supports biometric ID trials, allows up to 8 boarding passes per device, and accommodates domestic travel with alternative IDs, demonstrating flexibility in its digital approach. - EasyJet
Known for one of the longest digital check-in windows (30 days), EasyJet is enhancing its mobile platform and self-service infrastructure while moving away from PDF boarding passes. - Emirates
Integrates fully with airport kiosks and is working on digital travel verification systems. Though printed passes are still needed for some destinations, Emirates is highly digital-centric. - Jet2
Maintains a hybrid model with free printed pass options and robust kiosk availability. The airline is gradually upgrading self-service capabilities and mobile check-in tools. - Japan Airlines
Is at the forefront of health credential innovation, testing platforms like CommonPass, VeriFLY, and IATA Travel Pass. It balances this with traditional airport service for inclusivity. - Ryanair
Takes the most aggressive stance by going fully paperless starting November 2025. Passengers must use digital boarding passes or pay a £20 fee for printed ones. - Singapore Airlines
In collaboration with OpenAI, SIA is integrating AI-based customer support into its app to deliver more personalised and efficient service. It supports all forms of digital check-in and boarding. - Virgin Atlantic
Supports digital boarding across all devices and maintains strong mobile integration, though future tech plans were less detailed in the report. - Qatar Airways
Introducing “Sama,” an AI-powered digital travel assistant, Qatar Airways is embracing intelligent automation to support customer journeys and elevate service levels.
Frequently Asked Insights
-
Do physical passports still matter?
Yes. Despite all the advancements, a physical passport is still required for international travel on all airlines reviewed. -
Which airlines are going fully paperless?
Ryanair is the only airline requiring digital-only boarding passes in 2025. Other airlines support mobile-first options but allow printed passes for flexibility. -
What about group travel?
British Airways and others now support multiple boarding passes on one device, enhancing convenience for families and group travelers. -
Is this digital experience universal?
Most airlines provide self-service options at major airports, but availability may vary by location or flight partner.
Conclusion: A Connected, Contactless Future
The move to paperless travel reflects broader industry goals of sustainability, efficiency, and enhanced customer experience. With AI assistants, biometric boarding, and expanded self-service ecosystems, the airlines featured in the report are preparing for a future where travel is smarter, simpler, and more seamless.
While physical IDs remain a necessity, paperless journeys are becoming the default. As 2025 unfolds, these innovations will redefine how passengers interact with airlines—shaping a more digital and responsive era in global aviation.
Source: APH
Disclaimer: Press release
© Press Release 2025
Send us your press releases to news@globalloyalty.org
Press releases originate from external third-party providers. This website does not have responsibility or control over its content, which is presented as is, without any alterations. Neither this website nor its affiliates guarantee the accuracy of the views or opinions expressed in the press release.
The press release is intended solely for informational purposes and does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice, nor does it express any opinion regarding the suitability, value, or profitability of specific securities, portfolios, or investment strategies. Neither this website nor its affiliates are liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on it. By using the information provided in this article, you agree to do so at your own risk.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors shall not be liable to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to lost profits, savings, and revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract, or any other theory of liability, even if the possibility of such damages was known or foreseeable.
The images used in press releases and articles provided by 3rd party sources belong to the respective source provider and are used for illustrative purposes in accordance with the original press releases and publications.
Disclaimer: Content
While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date content, Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the correctness accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or reliability of the information or the results derived from its use, not that the content will meet your requirements or expectations. The content is provided “as is” and “as available”. You agree that your use of the content is at your own risk. Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. disclaims all warranties related to the content, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and title, and is not liable for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and title, and is not liable for any interruptions. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so these jurisdictions may not apply to you. Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. Reserves the right to modify, interrupt, or discontinue the content without notice and is not liable for doing so.
Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. shall not be liable for any damages, including special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, or damages for lost profits, revenue, or use, arising out of or related to the content, whether in contract, negligence, tort, statute, equity, law, or otherwise, even if advised of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on liability for incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you. These disclaimers and limitations apply to Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. and its parent, affiliates, related companies, contractors, sponsors, and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, agents, content providers, licensors, and advisors.
The content and its compilation, created by Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd, are the property of Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission.
