Where do I get my boarding pass if I check in online?

If you check-in online prior to your flight, your boarding pass may be emailed to you for printing at home. You can also request a mobile boarding pass, a link for which will be emailed or texted to you.



When you check in online, your boarding pass is typically generated as a digital file that you can receive in several ways. Most airlines will email you a PDF copy or a link to a mobile-friendly version. The most convenient method in 2026 is to save it directly to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay app, which allows you to access it even without an internet connection at the airport. If you prefer a physical copy, you can usually print the PDF from your home computer. If you have checked bags, you can also have your boarding pass printed at the self-service kiosks or the bag-drop counter when you arrive at the terminal. Note that for some international flights, you may be issued a "confirmation slip" instead, which requires you to visit a counter for a document check before receiving your final boarding pass.

If you check in online, you have several options for getting your boarding pass, depending on the airline and your preferences:

1. Digital Boarding Pass (Most Common)

  • Airline App: After online check-in, you can usually access your boarding pass directly within the airline’s mobile app. You’ll save it to your phone’s digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) or simply show the QR code/barcode in the app.
  • Email or Text: The airline will often email you a PDF boarding pass or send a link via text. You can print this PDF or display it on your phone at the airport.

2. Airport Kiosk

  • You can go to a self-service kiosk in the departure hall.
  • Scan your confirmation code, frequent flyer card, or passport.
  • The kiosk will reprint your boarding pass on paper. You can also use it to check bags.

3. Airline Check-in Counter

  • You can always go to the airline’s full-service check-in counter at the airport.
  • An agent will verify your ID and print a paper boarding pass for you. This is the best option if you also need to check baggage.

4. Curbside Check-in (at some airports)

  • If available, an airline agent outside the terminal can print your boarding pass and check your bags.

Key Things to Remember:

  • For International Flights: You will often need to show your passport and any required visas at the check-in counter or gate, even with a digital boarding pass, for document verification.
  • Baggage Drop: If you have luggage to check, you must go to the airline’s bag drop counter (or a dedicated bag drop kiosk). You cannot proceed straight to security.
  • Always have a backup: It’s wise to have a screenshot of your

People Also Ask

If you check in to your flight online, the airline will generate your boarding pass and share it with you via email. Most airlines will send you an email 24 hours before departure prompting you to check in online. To confirm whether your airline offers online check in, visit their website.

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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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All you need to board the plane is the ID document you used to check-in and your mobile device with the e-ticket or boarding pass.

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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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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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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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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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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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Taking a screenshot is an easy, low-grade way of retrieving a mobile pass. (Are we just in our camera apps all the time?) And yes, in case you're wondering, it works perfectly for getting through security and boarding the plane.

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There might be minor differences between airlines but if you have checked in online and printed your boarding pass then you just need to go to the bag drop desk (most airlines have separate bag drop desks) to hand over your bags. There is a place called bag drop which basically looks the same as the old checkin desks.

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You can use your mobile boarding pass at most airports. Before you leave, check to see if your departure or connecting airports accept mobile boarding passes: Does my airport accept mobile boarding passes? Find your airport, then look under 'Airport details' to see if mobile boarding passes are available.

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If you're strategically waiting to check in for your flight, do it at least a few hours before your flight leaves to save your flight reservation. Overall, if you're the type of person who wants to save money by refraining from paying for a seat assignment, early check-in is your best bet for a not-awful seat.

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In order to check-in online you will need your flight details, your PNR (aka booking number or confirmation number) and your passport number, if you are on an international flight. You also need to know the number of bags you'll be checking in.

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Check-in times You can check in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your flight (90 for international). To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. ? 45 minutes.

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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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When flying, print your boarding pass as early as possible. Checking in early saves your seat and prevents getting bumped to a different flight. About 24 hours prior to your flight, your airline will email you saying that it's time to check in.

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You can also go to the airline's website and print out from there. You will need to enter the last name of the passenger traveling and confirmation number. The confirmation number for an airline is a 6 character code comprising of letters and numbers.

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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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If you check in at the airport, you may print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk near check-in, or an airline representative can print one for you at the check-in counter. If you lose your pre-printed boarding pass or misplace the link, you can reprint your boarding pass when you get to the airport.

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Yes, you'll need to print each boarding pass clearly on an individual piece of A4 paper. The barcode on the pass will need to be scanned at the airport, so the page mustn't have any rips or tears. Your boarding pass is an official security document, so you'll need to keep it safe until you reach your destination.

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