Can I travel without a boarding pass?

Boarding passes are always required to board a flight. Often, airlines accept either paper or electronic boarding passes (on phone or tablet).



No, you cannot physically board an aircraft without a boarding pass, as it is the legal "ticket" that links your security-cleared identity to a specific seat on a specific flight. However, in 2026, you no longer need a physical paper boarding pass. Most travelers now use Mobile Boarding Passes stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or the airline's official app. Some advanced airports, including several hubs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, have moved toward biometric boarding, where your face acts as your "pass" at the gate. Even in these "paperless" systems, you must still have completed the check-in process to have a digital record on file. If your phone dies or you lose your pass, you can always print a new one at a self-service kiosk or a check-in desk at the airport using your passport or confirmation code.

People Also Ask

Q: Can you go through TSA without a ticket or a boarding pass? A: Definitely Not. You cannot cross the TSA security checkpoint without an airline ticket or a boarding pass. You can pass the security if you're accompanying minors, the elderly, or people with special needs.

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Online Check-in for International Flights. Online check-in allows those who have reserved seats and completed the required information to check into their flight from 24 hours prior to departure. During this process, you can confirm or change seats and get a boarding pass.

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If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.

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Email or Mobile App: If you received your boarding pass electronically via email or on a mobile app, check your email inbox or the app where you received it. Many airlines allow passengers to access past boarding passes through their mobile apps even after the flight.

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Yes, as long as it has a QR Code that can be scanned. If you have an iPhone usually there would be an option with the airlines app to add to your Apple Wallet app. Can you use a laptop to print a boarding pass? Yes, you can use a laptop to print a boarding pass, as long as you have access to a printer.

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In-person at airport using a self check-in kiosk If using a kiosk, you can select a seat (if hasn't happened already or allowed by airline), enter the number of bags to be checked (if desired), and print boarding passes. You will then need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station.

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If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.

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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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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. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.

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If you received your physical boarding pass at a kiosk or check-in desk, you will not be able to use a screenshot of the paper pass to get through TSA or the gate. You can always get another pass printed if you lost the original. How common is it to miss a flight even after getting the boarding pass?

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Yes, as long as it has a QR Code that can be scanned. If you have an iPhone usually there would be an option with the airlines app to add to your Apple Wallet app. Can you use a laptop to print a boarding pass? Yes, you can use a laptop to print a boarding pass, as long as you have access to a printer.

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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. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.

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Many passengers wonder: “Are an airline ticket and a boarding pass the same thing?” No, an airline ticket and a boarding pass are not the same thing. An airline ticket is proof of purchase of a flight or airfare, while a boarding pass is the passenger's identification to board the aircraft.

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