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Ryanair and CDC cards

Hi all,

My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy, with a final leg being a flight out of Palermo to Madrid for a couple of nights. We'll be flying Ryanair, and I was wondering if anyone had any experience using the CDC vaccine cards with this airline (we're vaxxed and boosted). I know Ryanair is a European airline so all of its language on the website and booking process revolves around the EU Digital Certificate. I have to imagine their employees have some experience with the CDC card, but should I expect any issues/difficulty using our paper cards?

Thanks for your insights!

Posted by
11888 posts

I see your frustration with ryanair--- this is on their website

Travel restrictions change regularly, unfortunately our customer service agents cannot help you with queries about specific restriction's in place at your destination, you will need to investigate yourself. Here is your checklist before you travel.

Ensure you have all necessary Covid-19 documentation to enter your destination country.
Without this essential documentation, you may be unable to travel.
Necessary Covid-19 documentation can include (but is not limited to):
Passenger Locator Form
Digital Covid Certificate (please be aware there is a wait time, often 2 weeks, before your cert is active)
Proof of negative PCR/antigen test
Please read carefully any Covid-19 information that applies to your travel by visiting relevant government affiliated websites.

It is each customer's responsibility to ensure they travel with the correct documentation as failure to do so might result in denied boarding.

They seem to know what you need to get on the plane, but have no interest in sharing that BEFORE you arrive at the gate.

Pretty liberal usage of the term 'customer service agent'

Good luck

Have you checked other airlines that fly Italy to Spain to see if they provide info on what is needed?

Posted by
6991 posts

I have to imagine their employees have some experience with the CDC
card

Never assume anything when dealing with Ryanair.

Posted by
8080 posts

Keep in mind, Ryanair sets no rules for what you need for documentation. The website is stating reality, have whatever documents you need or you may not board. Individual countries set requirements, and requirements on both ends may come into play.

So if you are flying to a country that requires a test...guess what...you need a test...Ryanair did not set the rule...the country did, Ryanair, as an international carrier is just responsible for checking, same with the form of vaccination proof.

For traveling within Italy by plane, Italy has required proof of vaccination or test, basically their requirements for a Green Pass. Italy does not issue green passes, so they accept the CDC card for flights (Fully vaccinated, plus a booster under certain conditions), they likely require the same for international flights. Then you need to know what Spain requires, which right now appears to be proof of vaccination, which your CDC card will suffice, depending on booster status and timing.

I flew several Ryanair flights (within Italy) in September, my CDC card and passport was checked three times one flight (to get into the airport, at check-in, and at boarding) and similar the other boarding, all no problem with the CDC card.

Posted by
2 posts

Right now Spain requires proof of vaccination, no test, as well as a digital document that serves as part passenger locator form/part health attestation. In fact, it looks as if it's very hard to get into Spain if you haven't been vaccinated.

We've started the paperwork (can't finish until 48 hours before the flight). We also have our paper copies of our vaccinations, as well as the digital, scannable version that the State of Washington provides. I guess the reason I'm asking is because I can't find anything about the CDC cards on Ryanair's site and because I know the company has a bit of a history in being difficult at times to navigate (I personally have not had problems with them).

Sounds like at least one person has precedent using CDC cards on Ryanair, so that's good. Also, for anyone looking for guidance on navigating documentation and the ever-changing rules, Delta's website has a really great web app on their site that allows you to put in your itinerary, including transfers, and vaccination status and it tells you all of the paperwork, testing and vaccination requirements you'll need. Your locations don't even need to be along Delta's flight routes.