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Can you use your phone as a TSA boarding pass?

A mobile boarding pass must be on the phone. “It's a great idea to have your mobile device turned on, in hand, with the boarding pass on the screen when you get to the TSA ticket document checker,” she suggests.



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Digital Identification Download a TSA approved digital ID app to your mobile device. Scan in your state-issued driver's license or state ID. At select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints, scan the app issued QR code. Your photo will be taken by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.

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Passengers can present their ID in Apple Wallet by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology reader at the travel document checking podium. The device will then display the requested information, which is only released after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID.

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Meanwhile, a paper ticket won't tell you when your flight is canceled. Plus, a poorly printed boarding pass can render your ticket useless at the gate. Hoeller points out that printing a paper ticket and neatly folding it into your passport is much easier than juggling between your personal items and phone.

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You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk-in to an enrollment center without an appointment. The online application takes five minutes to complete with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes.

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If you're otherwise looking to skip the TSA line, you may consider enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or Clear. Although these services aren't free, there are credit cards that offer statement credits to offset the charges you'll incur.

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TSA PreCheck members pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full body scanner (which some people find invasive). And you'll usually get through security much faster: According to the TSA, more than 89% of PreCheck-eligible passengers waited five minutes or less in March 2023.

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It replaces the old-fashioned paper boarding pass. Both documents have a digital code for scanning: a bar code on paper and a QR code on digital. Mobile boarding passes are also provided by the airline you've chosen to fly with.

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Do I need to print my boarding pass if I have a QR code? You shouldn't need to print your boarding pass out on paper as all of the needed information is available within the mobile version of the code, the airline's app, and the various emails they've sent you.

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There have been multiple cases where mobile scanners go down, cell reception doesn't work, or you just have technical phone difficulties at TSA or the boarding gate (the two times when you have to flash your boarding pass). Smart travelers print their boarding pass at the airport.

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For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.

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The confirmation number for an airline is a 6 character code comprising of letters and numbers. (Example: Airline Confirmation# A1B2C3) You will be able to print a within 24 hours prior to your departure. You can also typically print from airport kiosks at the airport when you arrive on your travel day.

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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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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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You click the link in the email to retrieve your QR code. Anytime you need to present your boarding pass – at security checkpoints or at the gate – you hold up your QR code to a scanner, which reads the information. The QR code acts as a unique link to all of your flight information.

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