Do you need to print a boarding pass anymore?

Do I need to print my boarding pass before I go to the airport? You need to either print it or have it on your phone. Eventually you can print it in the self check in machines at the airport. If you have iPhone you can add your boarding pass to Wallet app.



In 2026, you generally do not need to print a physical boarding pass, as the vast majority of global airlines and airports have fully transitioned to digital systems. Most travelers now use mobile boarding passes stored in their smartphone's "Wallet" (Apple or Google) or within the airline's official app. These QR codes are scanned at security checkpoints, lounge entrances, and boarding gates. Some airlines, most notably Ryanair, have led a "digital-first" movement, making paper passes nearly obsolete and charging high fees for airport check-in if you don't have your mobile pass ready. However, there are still niche exceptions: certain international airports in regions like Morocco, Turkey, or parts of Southeast Asia may still require a stamped paper pass for security or immigration purposes. Additionally, it is always a "pro" travel move to have a digital backup—such as a screenshot of your pass—in case you lose internet connectivity or your battery dies. While most major carriers like British Airways or United still provide kiosks where you can print a paper pass for free if you prefer it, the age of the "required" paper ticket has largely come to a close.

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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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Online check-in lets you check in from your home or office and print your own boarding pass. You can also choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device.

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Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight? 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.

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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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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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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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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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Online Check-in It's usually in the same document as your boarding pass. Normally, you will need to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time if you have baggage to check for an international flight.

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Those who go through the check-in process as early as possible have the best selection of seats that are available. If you wait for check-in at the airport, you're stuck with the remaining seats, which are often the least-desirable locations on the plane.

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In the past, printing was a requirement for mobile boarding passes when there were more than one person on an itinerary. Today you can get all of those passes together digitally when you check-in.

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Touch the bottom of the screen and swipe up. Tap the ticket. Show the barcode or QR code on your phone so the attendant can scan it. If you have more than one ticket, be sure to show each barcode.

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You can print your boarding pass online, at the airport using a self-service kiosk, or from the ticket counter on the day of departure, prior to your flight's scheduled departure time. Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight?

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I prefer paper boarding passes because it's easier and has fewer hassles, says Sue Fogwell, a former flight attendant with 22 years of experience. I don't always like to rely on my iPhone. On too many occasions, my battery is running dangerously low, or the gate is in a dead zone and I lose my signal.

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