Do I just need my ID and boarding pass to fly?

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. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.



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IF you check in at the counter with a person, you will be asked for your ID. At security you are asked to present an ID and most airports still require a boarding pass as well.

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Identification
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Permanent resident card.


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Yes, printed boarding passes are still available should you prefer to not utilize a mobile boarding pass.

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All you need to board the plane is the ID document you used to check-in and your mobile device with the e-ticket or boarding pass.

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For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note). Additionally, you're required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

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Save the boarding pass to your device for easy access at security and when you board. Make sure the entire barcode is visible on the screen when you show it at security.

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You might show the ticket for your flight if the check-in agent can't find the booking record simply with your ID document. But you'll need to show a boarding pass on your phone to pass security and get on to a plane.

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After purchasing your ticket online, download the file and print your ticket. Passengers can find their e-ticket files in the email sent to them. For domestic flights, passengers do not have to show their e-tickets at the security checkpoints.

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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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Flying domestically, all that is needed to board the plane is a valid boarding pass. Some countries may have different rules, but for the most part that's all you need. When flying internationally you will be required to produce both a passport and the boarding pass.

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Airport Procedures on Day of Departure (From Departure to Arrival)
  • STEP 1 Airport Procedure. If you use online check-in, there is no need to go to the check-in counter. ...
  • STEP 2 Checking in baggage. ...
  • STEP 3 Security Check. ...
  • STEP 4 Immigration. ...
  • STEP 5 Boarding and Disembarking. ...
  • STEP 6 Immigration. ...
  • STEP 7 Baggage Claim.


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The ticket is the commercial part of the flight (you buy a ticket and intend to go on a fixed flight). The boarding pass is the document you get right with your checkin at the airport (or online), and allows you to embark the plane. You must show the boarding pass at the gate when boarding.

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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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A boarding pass or boarding card is a document provided by an airline during airport check-in, giving a passenger permission to enter the restricted area of an airport (also known as the airside portion of the airport) and to board the airplane for a particular flight.

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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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A boarding pass will get you through the security lines, to the gate area, and onto your plane. An e-ticket won't, and is little more than a receipt. In many cases you don't even need the e-ticket to get checked-in and govt-issued ID will suffice.

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