Do you have to print boarding pass before flight?

Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.



In 2026, you do not have to print a boarding pass for the vast majority of domestic and international flights. Most airlines encourage the use of mobile boarding passes via their official apps or digital wallets (Apple/Google). You simply scan the QR code on your phone at security and the gate. However, there are three major exceptions: 1. Some airports in developing regions or specific countries (like Morocco or parts of Asia) still legally require a paper copy for stamp verification. 2. Some low-cost carriers (like Ryanair) may charge a steep "reissue fee" (up to £55) if you arrive without a pre-printed or digital pass. 3. If your phone battery dies or the app glitches, you could be delayed. To be "safe," it is highly recommended to take a screenshot of your mobile pass so it works offline, and many travelers still keep a single paper backup in their carry-on just in case.

People Also Ask

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding which type of boarding pass is right for you — both work just fine. But when it comes to air travel, we like to play it safe, which is why we recommend printing out your boarding pass, too.

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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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Save valuable time with your mobile boarding pass: if you are travelling with carry-on baggage only, you can go straight to security and then proceed to your gate.

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Checking in and printing boarding passes are two different things. To check in you'd need an internet terminal for which you'd have to pay unless they have free ones wherever you will be. If you have a smartphone you can check in on that. It's not necessary to print your boarding passes at the same time as checking in.

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Generally speaking, we like to err on the side of caution and suggest you print out your boarding pass, even if you already checked in online and have a mobile version on your phone.

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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 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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What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

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What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

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Can you print your boarding pass at the airport if you have checked in online? You can print the boarding pass at the boarding pass/baggage tag kiosk in the airport.

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Add a boarding pass with a screenshot
  1. Open the email, app, or website with your boarding pass.
  2. Find your boarding pass. ...
  3. Press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons at the same time, for a few seconds. ...
  4. On the “Screenshot saved” notification, tap Add to Google Pay. ...
  5. Tap Save.


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(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. Some airlines may charge a fee for this service, but most typically do not.

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No. A boarding pass is a document (either paper or electronic) that shows a gate agent that you're allowed to board a plane for a particular flight. An e-ticket has a bunch of information that the gate agent doesn't need—including what you paid for the ticket and where you bought it.

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Answer: As part of the TSA's Secure Flight Program, the names on airline tickets must match the name on passports. We recommend that you contact the airline you are traveling with to see if they can provide a solution for the name mismatch.

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Yes. I've often had mine and my daughter's boarding passes on my phone only because I make our reservations but she has to use her own boarding pass to get through security so she has her own boarding pass on her phone too and does not use my phone for her boarding pass.

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One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.

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The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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