Why do I need a printed boarding pass?

No one wants to be the person holding up the boarding process because of technical difficulties. We especially recommend printing boarding passes if you're taking connecting flights, as the longer you're in transit, the more likely your phone battery will run low or die completely.



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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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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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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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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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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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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“If you ever lose your boarding card, then simply talk to the airline guy or the security officer confidently and ask for his help politely. “It is an obligation for the airline to issue you a new boarding card as long as it wont cause major delay to the flight and you do not have any security issues.”

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Technology can be unreliable, and some airports don't allow mobile passes. There are plenty of situations that could arise that might make mobile passes inconvenient. The airport's systems could go down, scanners could break, and Wi-Fi might not be reliable.

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Depending on your destination your check in time may vary. Are you travelling with hand luggage only? If you are, you may be able to check in online for free and print off your boarding pass, so all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is go straight through security.

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Yes, you can use screenshot of your boarding pass. All airlines offer the option of a mobile boarding pass as an alternative to printing yours or picking up a paper copy at the airport. In case you lost you phone or paper boarding pass it always works in that time.

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Photos of boarding passes shared online should be avoided at all costs. This is a good rule of thumb to follow in the name of safety while traveling. The rule applies to both printed boarding passes and digital versions on your phone.

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You can use your mobile boarding pass at most airports.

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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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Airlines publish the maximum dimensions allowed for carry-on bags. For example, American Airlines states that a carry-on bag's dimensions cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including handles and wheels. The carry-on must also fit into the sizer at the airport; if it doesn't, you'll be required to check it.

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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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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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Your gate is written on your boarding pass and you need to find the section written gate with the codes consisting of letters and numbers. This code is your gate number. To be able to locate your gate, you can follow the signs or screens at 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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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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