In 2026, you are not strictly required to download a boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet, but it is highly recommended as a fail-safe. If you don't want to use a digital version, you can always print a paper boarding pass at the airport using the self-service kiosks or at the check-in counter. However, relying solely on an "email" or "app" version that requires an active internet connection is risky, as airport Wi-Fi and cellular signals can be notoriously spotty in secure areas or underground tunnels. By "downloading" it to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay, the pass is stored locally on your device and can be accessed offline. Furthermore, digital boarding passes in 2026 are "live," meaning they automatically update with your gate number, boarding time, and any delay alerts. Some airports are also transitioning to "Biometric Boarding," where your face acts as your pass, but you still need the digital or paper record as a backup for security checkpoints. In short: you don't have to download it, but doing so is the best way to ensure a frictionless "tap-and-go" experience at the gate.