What is printed on boarding pass?

A variety of information relevant to the flight is printed on the pass, including the departure and arrival airports, the passenger's travel class, the flight number and the departure time.



A 2026 boarding pass—whether paper or digital—is a high-value document containing critical flight and security data. The most prominent information includes the Passenger Name, Flight Number, and Seat Assignment. It also lists the Departure Gate (though this is subject to change), the Boarding Time, and the Scheduled Departure Time. Importantly, it features a 2D Barcode or QR Code that contains your PNR (Passenger Name Record) data, which security and gate agents scan to verify your identity. Other printed details often include your Frequent Flyer number, any TSA PreCheck or Global Entry eligibility (marked as "PRECHK"), and your Boarding Group. Some passes also list the terminal, class of service (e.g., "Economy" or "Business"), and even the number of checked bags. Keeping this document secure is vital, as the barcode can sometimes reveal sensitive booking details to those with the right scanning software.

People Also Ask

Do boarding passes show passport numbers/nationality, or only name? Nope, just your name, flight number, class, seat and gate (and, if you're lucky, it's the correct gate). See also I have two passports/nationalities. How do I use them when I travel?

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Not technically. Your boarding pass is your “ticket” to board the plane, but technically your ticket is generated as an “e-ticket,” or an electronic ticket, when you book your flight. Your boarding pass will be generated upon check-in, either online or at the check-in counter.

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TSA rules say the name on the boarding pass must exactly match the passenger's government-issued ID presented at the security checkpoint. When booking, “use the form of your name that is on the photo ID that you will show at the airport,” the Department of Transportation advises.

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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.

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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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Many passengers wonder: “Are an airline ticket and a boarding pass the same thing?” No, an airline ticket and a boarding pass are not the same thing. An airline ticket is proof of purchase of a flight or airfare, while a boarding pass is the passenger's identification to board the aircraft.

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To verify that the intending passenger is indeed the person who made the booking. It could be that a person (may be wanted by authorities) wishes to fly but knows they would be apprehended at the airport. So, they make a reservation in some other persons name. This will enable them to print a boarding pass.

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In some cases, you'll need a passport, while in others an ID such as a driver's license might be enough. During online check-in, airlines ask for the number on your identification document and its expiration date.

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Answer: TSA's regulation requires that names on tickets and passports match.

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Print Your Ticket: Before heading to the airport, make sure you have a printed copy of your ticket or boarding pass. You can usually do this by accessing your airline's website or mobile app, locating your booking or reservation, and selecting the option to print your boarding pass.

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Just display your boarding pass barcode on the screen of your device at the security checkpoint and when boarding your flight, and you're on your way. Check-in is available starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure.

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So long as your name in your booking — not your boarding pass — matches your ID, you should be okay. In case of uncertainty, promptly contact your airline's customer service to avoid any potential issues, advises Thai.

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Yes. There are some exceptions, including international reservations or any reservation over eight passengers. All members of the party will have access to all eligible boarding passes under that reservation.

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No, you can't use a photo of your passport to travel. However, having a photo handy can make it easier to replace your passport if it's lost. Snap a quick shot of the inside, so you can see your passport number and other info. And remember: in case of lost or stolen documents, call 24-Hour Hotline Assistance for help.

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The most common reason for denied boarding is overbooking. This is when airlines sell more tickets than there are seats on the aircraft. The reason for this common practice is so-called 'no-shows'.

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Even though airlines already have your passport information in your passenger record, they are still required to verify your passport prior to boarding. In some countries (Germany and the UK, for example), you may present your passport two or three times before getting on the plane.

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