Am I supposed to print boarding pass?

The answer is more complicated than you might think. Generally speaking, we like to err on the side of caution and suggest you print out your boarding pass, even if you already checked in online and have a mobile version on your phone.



In 2026, whether you "should" print a boarding pass depends on your airline, the airport's technology, and your own comfort with technology. For most major airlines (like Delta, United, or British Airways), a mobile boarding pass on your smartphone or smartwatch is completely sufficient for security and boarding. You can simply scan the QR code at the gate. However, there are several "pro-traveler" reasons to still have a paper backup. First, technology can fail: your phone battery could die, the airline's app could crash, or the airport's Wi-Fi could be spotty. Second, some international airports (particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America) still legally require a physical stamped paper pass for exit immigration. Third, certain budget carriers like Ryanair may charge a hefty fee if you arrive at the airport without a pass and haven't checked in online. A good compromise is to take a screenshot of your digital pass (so you don't need internet) and print a paper copy only if you are traveling to a country with more traditional border controls. For domestic flights in the US or UK, a digital pass in your "Apple Wallet" or "Google Wallet" is now the industry standard and perfectly safe.

People Also Ask

Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight? Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.

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It's okay not to have a printed copy of your e-ticket when boarding. Most people have these on their phone and they mainly board by just scanning the barcode. Best to avoid killing any more trees and just go the digital way.

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You do not need to print your boarding pass once you have access to the Ryanair App unless you are departing from a Moroccan airport. If you do not have access to a printer, we can print it for you at the check-in desk, but you will be charged a boarding card reissue fee for each passenger.

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If you check in at the airport, you may print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk near check-in, or an airline representative can print one for you at the check-in counter. If you lose your pre-printed boarding pass or misplace the link, you can reprint your boarding pass when you get to the airport.

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Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

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Save valuable time with your mobile boarding pass: if you are travelling with carry-on baggage only, you can go straight to security and then proceed to your gate.

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In most cases, you can check-in online (or via a mobile phone app), print a boarding pass (or have it loaded to an app), and walk straight to security. You might also be able to print your boarding pass from a self-automated kiosk at the airport.

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Simplicity - You can use it anywhere you have Internet access. Eco-friendly - You don't need to print your boarding pass. Just show it on your smartphone or tablet. More direct - If you don't have any baggage you can go straight to the boarding gate.

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No. A boarding pass is a document (either paper or electronic) that shows a gate agent that you're allowed to board a plane for a particular flight. An e-ticket has a bunch of information that the gate agent doesn't need—including what you paid for the ticket and where you bought it.

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In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security.

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One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.

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Yes. Simply go to the airline's ticket desk at the airport, show photo ID, check your bags if you have any, and you will be given a paper boarding pass you can take with you through TSA security and use at the gate to board the plane.

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In most cases, you will only need to go to check-in when you have checked-in online if you need to drop off an item of hold baggage. Please ensure that you are aware of the hand baggage requirements for your specific airline before you travel.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt. Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)

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If you prefer, 24 hours before your flight, you can check-in online using your confirmation or ticket number from your e-ticket receipt on the airline's official website, and if you choose, print your boarding passes, send scannable copies to your smartphone, or both.

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