In this exclusive research report, APH examines how major global airlines are adapting to the paperless travel trend in 2025 and Beyond. The review covers digital check-in procedures, use of mobile technology, boarding pass flexibility, and plans for future innovation.
Summary of Findings
All major airlines offer digital check-in through mobile apps and websites, often paired with self-service kiosks and real-time travel updates. Many carriers also maintain traditional options like physical boarding passes and airport check-in desks. However, there’s an increasing shift toward digital-first experiences.
- Air France: Offers interactive kiosks and plans to introduce high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi.
- British Airways: Testing biometric ID technology and supports multi-passenger boarding via app.
- EasyJet: Leading with long check-in windows (up to 30 days) and further developing their mobile ecosystem.
- Emirates: Offers full kiosk integration and is introducing digital travel verification tech.
- Jet2: Focused on increasing self-service options and mobile pass functionality.
- Japan Airlines: Trialling multiple health credential platforms including CommonPass and VeriFLY.
- Ryanair: Going fully paperless from November 2025, with a fee for printed passes.
- Singapore Airlines: Collaborating with OpenAI to enhance AI-powered support and service.
- Virgin Atlantic: Supports flexible digital boarding across all platforms.
- Qatar Airways: Launching “Sama,” its own AI travel assistant, and embracing digital travel experiences.
Key Trends in Paperless Travel
Future Technologies: AI assistants, biometric screening, and health credential trials are in active development across several airlines
Check-in Flexibility: Most airlines offer check-in windows from 30 days to 90 minutes before departure.
Mobile App Integration: Every airline reviewed provides a mobile app with real-time updates and digital boarding passes.
Passport Policies: Physical passports are still required for international travel. Some UK domestic flights allow alternative ID.
Self-Service Options: Bag drop kiosks and airport check-in kiosks are becoming standard.
Future Technologies: AI assistants, biometric screening, and health credential trials are in active development across several airlines.
Paperless Travel Features by Airline – 2025 Overview
This overview summarizes how major global airlines are advancing toward paperless travel using digital check-ins, mobile apps, boarding passes, and emerging technologies.
Air France
- Check-in: Online up to 30 hours; 24/7 airport kiosks
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed allowed
- Passport: Physical ID required
- Contactless: Self-service bag drop and real-time app updates
- Digital Plans: High-speed Wi-Fi on select flights
British Airways
- Check-in: 24 hours to 1 hour online; kiosk access
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed allowed; up to 8 per device
- Passport: Required; domestic flights accept ID alternatives
- Contactless: App, bag drop kiosks, real-time updates
- Digital Plans: Biometric boarding trials
EasyJet
- Check-in: 30 days to 2 hours online
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed; no PDFs on mobile
- Passport: Required; UK ID accepted on domestic flights
- Contactless: Self-service bag drop, mobile app
- Digital Plans: Expanding kiosks and mobile features
Emirates
- Check-in: 48 hours to 90 minutes online (Emirates-only legs)
- Boarding Pass: Digital preferred; printed for US & complex itineraries
- Passport: Required
- Contactless: App, kiosks, real-time info
- Digital Plans: Digital travel verification in progress
Jet2
- Check-in: 28 days to 6 hours online
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed; free printing at airport
- Passport: Required; domestic ID accepted
- Contactless: Kiosks available at most airports
- Digital Plans: Investing in self-service and tech upgrades
Japan Airlines
- Check-in: 24 hours to 1 hour online; airport desks open 3 hours prior
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed allowed
- Passport: Required
- Contactless: Bag drop kiosks, mobile app
- Digital Plans: Testing CommonPass, VeriFLY, IATA Travel Pass
Ryanair
- Check-in: Up to 60 days; closes 2 hours before flight
- Boarding Pass: Digital only; £20 fee for printing
- Passport: Required
- Contactless: App, bag drop kiosks, real-time updates
- Digital Plans: Fully paperless from November 2025
Singapore Airlines
- Check-in: 48 hours to 90 minutes online
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed allowed
- Passport: Required
- Contactless: Bag drop kiosks, app, real-time info
- Digital Plans: Partnered with OpenAI for AI-based support
Virgin Atlantic
- Check-in: 24 hours to 70 minutes before departure
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed allowed
- Passport: Required
- Contactless: Mobile app, self-service bag drop
- Digital Plans: …
Qatar Airways
- Check-in: 48 hours to 90 minutes (24 hours for US flights)
- Boarding Pass: Digital and printed allowed
- Passport: Required
- Contactless: App, kiosks, real-time updates
- Digital Plans: Launching AI assistant “Sama”
FAQs
Ryanair is leading the way by requiring digital-only boarding passes starting November 2025. Other airlines like Emirates, EasyJet, and British Airways strongly support mobile check-in and digital passes but still offer printed options for flexibility.
Yes. All airlines reviewed still require a physical passport for international travel. Some carriers like British Airways and Jet2 allow alternative forms of ID on UK domestic flights, but international journeys require traditional identification.
British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways stand out. BA supports group boarding passes on one device, Singapore Airlines is integrating AI via OpenAI, and Qatar is launching a digital travel assistant called Sama in 2025.
Most airlines provide self-service bag drop and check-in kiosks, though availability may vary by airport. Jet2 and EasyJet note this explicitly, while Emirates and Japan Airlines offer them at most major hubs.
Almost all airlines allow digital check-in, typically 24 to 48 hours before departure. Some, like EasyJet and Jet2, offer check-in windows up to 30 days in advance. However, flights involving partner carriers may require in-person check-in (e.g., Emirates).