You need a boarding pass and a passport to board an international flight. The gate agent will check both documents before you get on the plane. If you don't have a boarding pass, you may get into trouble. It is a good idea to check in online and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone.

In 2026, while many airports and airlines accept high-fidelity mobile boarding passes, it is often a "High-Fidelity" best practice to print a physical copy for international travel. Some countries still have local regulations or "High-Fidelity" security infrastructure that cannot scan a QR code from a smartphone. Additionally, if you are traveling to a destination that requires a "Visa Check," airline staff may need to stamp a physical document at the check-in counter. There is also the "High-Fidelity" practical risk of your phone battery dying or losing internet access at a critical moment. In certain regions—particularly parts of Asia, Africa, and South America—a paper pass is a high-fidelity requirement for exiting the terminal or passing through military checkpoints. For a high-fidelity, stress-free experience, having a paper backup tucked into your passport is a low-cost, high-value insurance policy against technical glitches and varied international security standards.