Do I need to print my boarding pass?

To travel on the safe side, the best option is to check in online, have a mobile boarding pass for quick entry, and keep a printed backup version in your carry-on baggage. You can also take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass in case of connectivity issues. For airports that still require paper, you'll need to have it printed. Know before you go.

It’s true to say that traveling has changed considerably over the last decade. Airports are filled with technology, and travelers use apps to book and board flights. Yet, even in this digital era, the question still remains, "do I need to print my boarding pass?" With many travel apps offering convenience at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume that paper is obsolete.

Many airlines allow you to check in from the comfort of your home, sending a mobile pass directly to your phone, but not all airports or airlines may offer this option. If you’re unsure whether to hit "print" after online check-in, this guide is for you. It explains when you might want a paper copy of your boarding pass, when a digital version is enough, and why having both could help ensure your trip takes off without a hitch.

What is a boarding pass?

Think of your boarding pass as your golden ticket to the skies. It's issued after you check in and confirms you're booked on a specific flight and authorized to step on board. The pass shows your name, flight number, date, seat, and boarding time, with a barcode or QR code for scanning. You'll need to scan your boarding pass at security and at the gate. Your pass may be on paper or stored on a mobile device. Unlike an e-ticket, which is proof of purchase, the boarding pass is the only document that allows you to board the aircraft.

Boarding passes can be presented in different forms:

• Paper boarding pass
• Mobile boarding pass
• QR codes

Mobile boarding pass

A mobile boarding pass is an electronic version of your boarding pass shown on your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. It's also usually emailed to you by the airline or a third party. A mobile boarding pass displays your name, flight number, seat assignment, departure time, and a QR code. When checking in online, you can view your boarding pass on your mobile device or add it to your digital wallet. Once downloaded, the pass can be scanned at the airport just like a paper barcode.

Mobile passes are practical and simplify your travel wallet by keeping all travel details in one place. Some airlines allow you to save multiple passes on a single device, which is handy for families or groups traveling together. Despite these advantages, a mobile pass still relies on your phone’s battery and software. Carrying a printed version as a backup remains the safest choice.

QR codes

A QR code on a boarding pass is a digital code containing your flight details, such as name, flight number, seat, and destination. QR codes are usually a square pattern, which is scanned at various points in the airport, making boarding quick and efficient. It replaces the traditional paper boarding pass and is accessed using an airline's mobile app on a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet, offering a convenient alternative to printing.

How it works:

• Check-in: Usually through your airline's mobile app, up to 24–48 hours before departure.
• Receive the code: The airline sends you the mobile boarding pass, which includes the QR code, directly to your device.
• Scan at the airport: Present the QR code on your phone screen for scanning at the airport security checkpoint and gate.
• Board the plane: Once scanned, you may board the plane.

Benefits of mobile boarding pass

• Convenience: No need to print a paper pass or worry about losing it.
• Efficiency: Streamlines the airport process by minimizing lines and providing staff with quick access to information.
• Accessibility: It’s on your mobile device, making it readily available when you need it.
• Environmentally friendly: Mobile boarding passes reduce the need for paper, making them an eco-friendlier option.

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

For most flights, you don’t necessarily have to print your boarding pass if you check in online. You can breeze through the airport with nothing more than a mobile boarding pass. After you check in online, your airline issues a digital pass with a QR code that's scanned at security and at the gate. You may save the pass to a digital wallet for convenience or download it as a PDF.

It's a simple and straightforward process. You may print your boarding pass at home or collect it at the airport counter or kiosk. Both digital and printed versions serve the same purpose. Since acceptance of mobile passes varies across airports, a paper copy can be a reliable backup.

Here’s why you should still print a copy of your boarding pass:

• Some airports do not accept mobile passes: Confirm with your airline and departure or connecting airport before traveling. While most major airports and airlines support digital boarding passes, exceptions occur due to varying technology or security policies.
• Technology can fail: Even at airports that accept mobile passes, there's always a risk your phone runs out of battery, the app freezes, or Wifi cuts out.
• Airlines may charge for issuing printed passes: Some low-cost carriers impose fees if you arrive without a boarding pass. Passengers who forget to check in online altogether face even higher check-in fees.

To travel on the safe side, the best option is to check in online or using the app, have a mobile boarding pass for quick entry, and keep a printed backup version in your carry-on baggage. You can also take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass in case of connectivity issues. For airports that still require paper, you'll need to have it printed. Know before you go.

Plan to print for a smooth journey

Modern air travel puts the world at your fingertips. Mobile passes make journeys more convenient, but a paper pass may still be necessary. Some airports and airlines still require printed passes, and phones can sometimes be unreliable. Printing your pass after checking in online can save you time, stress, and money. Prepare yourself for a smoother trip by reading your airline’s policy, printing when appropriate, and keeping both digital and printed backup copies. Whether you prefer paper or digital, the key is to have your boarding pass ready and available when needed. When in doubt, carry both.

FAQ

I lost my boarding pass: How can I get a new one?

If you misplace your paper boarding pass, don’t panic. Most airlines allow you to reprint one either through online check-in or at a self-service kiosk at the airport. You can also ask a ticket agent to print a new one. Digital passes are never lost; just log back in to the app or open the original email to retrieve the QR code.

Can I print my boarding pass at the airport?

If you forget to print your boarding pass or do not have access to a printer, you can usually print it at the airport. Many terminals have self-service kiosks where you can print a pass by entering your booking reference or scanning your passport. If you need to check in at the ticket counter, staff will give you a printed copy of your boarding pass.

Are there fees to print a boarding pass at the airport?

Printing at the airport may incur fees that vary depending on the airline. Some budget airlines charge to reissue a boarding pass if you check in online but arrive without one. These charges are intended to encourage travelers to use online check-in and mobile passes. Full-service airlines are less likely to charge for printing, but it's always wise to verify your airline’s policy. To be safe, print your pass after checking in online to avoid potential reissue fees.

Why do I need to check in for the flight?

Check-in isn’t just a formality; it serves several key purposes. Airlines use check-in to confirm that you intend to travel, enabling them to finalize the passenger list. During check-in, you verify your identity, provide travel document details, manage baggage, and select a seat. Without completing check-in, you can't receive a boarding pass. Early check-in can also offer advantages such as better seat options or increased chances of upgrades. Online check-in is usually available 24–48 hours before departure, depending on the airline.