How do online boarding passes work?

How does a mobile boarding pass work? A mobile boarding pass is just like a paper boarding pass but it's electronic. When you arrive at security, the TSA agent will scan your mobile boarding pass (or ask you to hold your phone over the scanner) just as they would scan a paper version. Ditto at the gate.



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Have your boarding pass on your mobile device? It's important to remember that the TSA officer cannot accept a printed version of a mobile boarding pass because the technology doesn't recognize it. A mobile boarding pass must be on the phone.

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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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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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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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There are several ways to get a boarding pass. You can get it on the airline's website and print it on paper. Or pull it up on your phone in the airline's app. You can also print it at the airport.

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Yes. Simply go to the airline's ticket desk at the airport, show photo ID, check your bags if you have any, and you will be given a paper boarding pass you can take with you through TSA security and use at the gate to board the plane.

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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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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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What Happens at Check-In. After arriving at the airport, go to the check-in desk and show the agent your passport and eTicket. They'll compare your ticket against the airline's database and issue you a printed boarding pass when everything checks out. This boarding pass is what enables you to get on the plane.

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If you received your physical boarding pass at a kiosk or check-in desk, you will not be able to use a screenshot of the paper pass to get through TSA or the gate. You can always get another pass printed if you lost the original. How common is it to miss a flight even after getting the boarding pass?

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The electronic boarding pass will include your name, flight details and a barcode or QR code that be scanned at the airport, like a normal paper boarding pass.

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The difference between an electronic ticket and a boarding pass. Simply put, the difference between an electronic ticket and a boarding pass is that the electronic ticket is a confirmation that you have completed your purchase, and boarding pass is a document that allows you to board on the plane.

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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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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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Check-In Times at U.S. Airports When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

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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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Checking in online is far more convenient than checking in at the airport. However, if you have to check in special luggage such as bulky goods or a pet, you should rather use the classic method.

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Other reasons for not being allowed to check-in online can include:
  • Being selected for secondary screening by TSA.
  • Your ticket was issued by a codeshare partner airline and not the airline you're traveling with.
  • Traveling in a large group.


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


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