Travel in 2026: How New Boarding Pass Rules from BA, TUI, and EasyJet Will Impact Your Journey!

Published on December 30, 2025

As the airline industry continues to evolve, 2026 promises significant changes for travelers. Following Ryanair’s recent updates to its boarding pass policies, British Airways (BA), TUI, and EasyJet are now set to follow suit with their own rule adjustments. These new measures are set to impact travelers’ experiences and the way they interact with their boarding passes, ticketing, and check-in processes. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes for 2026.

Ryanair’s Bold Move Sets the Stage

Ryanair’s recent overhaul of its boarding pass policies was a groundbreaking move in the European aviation industry. This shift aims to reduce delays and improve overall efficiency at airports. Ryanair’s decision has had ripple effects across the industry, with other major airlines following suit to align with the evolving trends in digital technology and operational efficiency.

British Airways: Embracing the Digital Future

British Airways, one of the UK’s leading carriers, is making major adjustments to its boarding pass rules in line with Ryanair’s changes.

BA’s shift is aimed at reducing queues and making the process more seamless for passengers. This new system will also allow passengers to update their travel details instantly, receive real-time notifications about gate changes, and even access loyalty perks directly from their digital boarding passes. Although this change will be widely welcomed by tech-savvy travelers, it may take some time for those accustomed to traditional paper tickets to adjust to the digital-only format.

EasyJet: Smooth Sailing with Smarter Boarding

EasyJet, known for offering affordable travel options across Europe, is also updating its boarding pass rules for 2026. However, the airline is encouraging passengers to make use of mobile boarding passes, which are becoming increasingly popular in a post-pandemic travel world. One key feature of EasyJet’s updated rules is the integration of biometric technology. In certain airports, passengers will be able to board without even scanning their boarding pass at all, using facial recognition technology to streamline the process.

TUI: Shaping the Future of Family Travel

TUI, a major player in the European holiday sector, is also revising its boarding pass protocols for 2026. The company plans to introduce digital-only boarding passes for all passengers, particularly targeting families who often find the traditional process cumbersome. As with other airlines, TUI will encourage passengers to check in via its mobile app, which will also allow travelers to access a range of vacation-related services, from booking last-minute activities to requesting assistance for young children or elderly passengers.

In addition to digital boarding passes, TUI is integrating new security measures, including encrypted boarding passes that can only be accessed and scanned by authorized staff members. This is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to improve both passenger convenience and security at airports.

How Will These Changes Affect Travelers?

The shift to digital boarding passes is part of a larger trend towards greater efficiency and sustainability in air travel. For passengers, this means fewer paper tickets and less time spent in queues at check-in counters. However, for those less comfortable with technology, the move to mobile-based systems could present challenges, and airlines are expected to offer support for passengers who may need assistance with digital check-in procedures.

What Should Travelers Do to Prepare for 2026?

To ensure a smooth travel experience in 2026, passengers should begin familiarizing themselves with the new mobile check-in processes ahead of time. Travelers who are not familiar with digital check-ins should consider visiting the airline’s website or contacting customer service for guidance. It is crucial to carry any required identification, such as a passport or national ID, as backup, in case there are any issues with the digital boarding pass.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Travel with Confidence

The boarding pass rule changes set to take effect in 2026 for airlines like British Airways, TUI, and EasyJet signify an exciting new chapter in air travel. As digital and biometric technologies continue to evolve, travelers can look forward to a more streamlined, efficient, and secure journey. So, whether you’re flying with BA, TUI, or EasyJet, rest assured that your journey will be smoother than ever before—thanks to the innovations arriving in 2026.