Everything You Need to Know About Boarding Passes

Boarding passes are a vital part of the air travel journey. To board a plane, you'll need either a mobile boarding pass or a printed version to show to the gate agent during boarding.

These documents hold crucial information about your journey, including your gate number, seat number, and frequent flyer details. Whether you’re flying for the first time or are a seasoned traveler looking to understand this document better, here’s all you need to know about boarding passes.

Understanding Boarding Passes

A boarding pass is a travel document issued by an airline at check-in. It grants the passenger the right to board the aircraft. Every traveler must possess a boarding pass to fly.

What Does a Boarding Pass Look Like?

There are two formats for boarding passes: paper and mobile (or digital). Paper boarding passes are usually printed on a rectangular piece of paper, containing details about the passenger, their flight, and a barcode for scanning at the gate during boarding.

Mobile boarding passes can be displayed on smartphones, smartwatches, or tablets. They also contain passenger and flight information, along with a QR code for scanning at the gate. The appearance of boarding passes can vary between airlines, and even paper passes from the same airline might look different when printed at various airports.

How to Obtain a Boarding Pass

There are several methods to obtain a boarding pass, beginning with the check-in process; you must check in for your flight to receive a boarding pass. If you check in online from your home or hotel, you’ll likely be given the option of a mobile boarding pass through the airline's website or app.

In some instances, you may receive a PDF version of a paper boarding pass, which you can print anywhere. You can also obtain your boarding pass upon arriving at the airport, even if you checked in online. Just visit a self-service kiosk or your airline's check-in desk to print it out.

Comparing Paper and Mobile Boarding Passes

When deciding between a paper boarding pass and a mobile boarding pass, several factors come into play. Some travelers prefer paper passes in case their mobile device runs out of battery while on the go.

Others favor mobile boarding passes to avoid the hassle of managing a small piece of paper. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preference.

How to Print Your Boarding Pass

Is it necessary to print a boarding pass? If you already possess a mobile boarding pass, printing a paper version is not essential. However, if you prefer to have a paper boarding pass, there are three primary methods to print one:

• Print at home: If your airline provides a PDF of your boarding pass, you can print it at home or in your hotel.
• Print at an airport self-service kiosk: Most airports feature self-service kiosks in the departure area. Find the kiosk for your airline, then scan your passport or enter your record locator (the six-character alphanumeric booking code) or your e-ticket number to print your paper boarding pass. You can also print baggage tags for checked luggage during this step.
• Print at a check-in desk at the airport: Go to the check-in desk, show your valid ID (such as a passport or driver’s license), and request a paper boarding pass. You can approach the check-in desk even if you're not checking a bag.

If you have already passed through security and are in the airside area of the airport, you can visit a help desk, the desk at your gate, or an airline lounge (if accessible) to print your boarding pass.

Boarding Pass vs Ticket

Is a boarding pass equivalent to a ticket? Technically, no, but it can be a bit confusing. Many travelers often think of a ticket as the document needed to board a mode of transportation or gain entry to an attraction.

While a boarding pass serves that purpose, an airline ticket is a distinct entity. Airline tickets are issued electronically, hence the term electronic tickets or e-tickets. E-tickets are typically provided by airlines at the time of booking and function similarly to a receipt.

You don’t need your e-ticket to board a flight, but some travelers may require it for tax documentation or reimbursement from their employer. In contrast, boarding passes are issued during check-in and are mandatory for boarding the aircraft.

Boarding Pass Codes

Boarding passes hold all the crucial information necessary for boarding your flight, generally including the following details:

Boarding passes also feature barcodes or QR codes that can be scanned, allowing airline or airport personnel to access your information digitally.

Moreover, boarding passes include various codes and abbreviations, with some of the most common ones explained below:

What does SSSS signify on a boarding pass?

If you spot SSSS on your boarding pass, it indicates that you have been chosen (sometimes at random) for an extra security screening. This typically occurs at your gate during boarding, but it can also happen at airport security checkpoints.

Once a gate agent scans your boarding pass during the boarding process, you may be asked to step aside for your additional security check.

Be prepared to open all your bags for a manual inspection, which may involve swabbing your electronic devices. This could prolong the time it takes to board your flight.

Conclusion

Boarding passes are a crucial element of air travel; you cannot board a plane without one! Whether you choose a paper or mobile boarding pass, always ensure you have this important document on you while at the airport.

How this guide was developed

As a travel writer for nearly ten years, I usually log about 200,000 miles annually. In this guide, I share insights gained from interpreting countless boarding passes and extensive research into their terminology and codes.