Why you need a boarding pass: what it is and how it differs from an airline ticket, what information it contains and why it is better to print it out
A boarding pass is one of the documents required to board an airplane. But what makes a boarding pass so necessary, what information does it contain and how can a passenger obtain it?
What is a boarding pass for?
A boarding pass is a confirmation that a passenger has checked in and is authorized to board an airplane. For this reason, it is presented at the boarding gate. A boarding pass can be issued as a ticket not only for you alone but also for your traveling companions on your behalf. It is also used to identify luggage at the airport. It gives you access to check-in, security screening, baggage claim, and airplane information.
How do I get a boarding pass?
You can get a boarding pass if you register first. Its form will depend on the type of check-in you choose.
- At the check-in desk at the airport
This is the most classic way. When you arrive at the airport, you will need to go to the check-in counter and get your boarding pass in paper form.
- At the airport check-in machine
Another option on how you can get your boarding pass at the airport is to use the machine of the respective airline. This is a convenient way that will help you board the plane easily and quickly, as you don't have to wait in line at the check-in counter.
- Online check-in
This is a great alternative if you don't want to wait in line at the airport. You can check in online 24-48 hours before departure, depending on the airline and specific flight, and receive your ticket within minutes. You can print it out or simply save it on your phone.
When can I get a mobile ticket?
A passenger is issued a boarding pass only after check-in. Usually, you hand in your ticket at the check-in desk and in return, an airline employee gives you a boarding pass. In case of online check-in, the boarding pass must be downloaded, but no later than 24-48 hours before departure. The time depends on the airline and the flight. However different airlines may have some differences in when and how you can get your boarding pass, so it is better to clarify the rules in advance.
How do I get a boarding pass on a connecting flight?
Passengers can get a boarding pass for a connecting flight when they first board the plane. For example, you have a flight from Berlin to New York via London. You will receive your boarding pass for the connecting flight while you are still at Berlin airport. This is because the time between connections can be very limited.
Are airplane ticket and boarding pass the same thing?
Many passengers do not understand the difference between a boarding pass and an airline ticket. In a nutshell, an airline ticket is your reservation and a boarding pass is your airplane pass.
In reality, the two documents are not the same thing. The ticket shows that you have booked a seat and confirms its cost. A boarding pass can otherwise be called an identity card for the passenger, according to which he gets the right to get on board. Thus an airline ticket is bought in advance to reserve a seat on a particular flight. A boarding pass confirms your right to that seat.
Can I print my boarding pass at the airport?
Since it is possible to check in for a flight online, it logically follows that you need to print your boarding pass. And yes, in most cases this can be done at the airport at a ticket counter or check-in machine (or self-service station). Alternatively, if you need help printing your ticket, you can contact the check-in desk.
Why should I print my boarding pass at home?
Many passengers today are puzzled why they need a boarding pass when they can travel with a mobile version on their smartphone. This is allowed, but sometimes there are situations where there are problems with the mobile boarding pass and it can be rejected. For example, at Marrakech airport, you cannot go through security screening without a signed and printed boarding pass. Therefore, it is better to use these guidelines:
- It is advisable to always carry a printed boarding pass with you, regardless of which airline you are flying with.
- Printing out your boarding pass at the airport often requires an additional fee, so you can avoid unnecessary expenses if you prepare this document at home.
- In case your smartphone runs out of battery or there are problems with the app, a printed boarding pass can always help you out.
What information is contained in the boarding pass?
So, what is a boarding pass? Behind its various abbreviations and codes are the following data:
- passenger's name
- airport of departure and arrival
- airline
- flight number
- gate number
- class (economy, business, first class)
- flight date
- scheduled boarding time
- departure and arrival times
- number of baggage items and their weight
- electronic ticket number and information about it
- information for frequent flyers
- company code (two letters before the flight number on the ticket).
Deciphering the abbreviations on the boarding pass
API Complete: "Complete Advanced Passenger Information," confirming that the passenger information is correct and listed.
AF374: the letters at the beginning are the code of the airline you are flying with. For example, in this case, it is Air France (AF). The combination of numbers next indicates the route from the departure airport to the destination airport.
ETKT: indicates the electronic ticket.
C 10 A: in this combination, the letter symbolizes the class (e.g. in this case "C" is business class), followed by your seat on board, i.e. "10 A" is the tenth row by the window.
1 25: Many boarding passes have information about how much luggage a passenger can take with them. For example, here "1" stands for the number of seats, and "25" stands for its maximum weight in kilograms.
FRA – LHR: this abbreviation belongs to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Each boarding pass has two capital letter abbreviations under which the departure and arrival airports are coded. For example, "FRA" stands for Frankfurt, and "LHR" stands for London Heathrow Airport.
FQTV: This special mark is sometimes indicated on boarding passes. It indicates the passenger's status as a "frequent traveler".
SSSS: If you see this abbreviation on your boarding pass, be prepared for additional security checks. This is most often the case for passengers traveling to the United States. The reasons for the increased screening can vary.
One of the most important parts of the boarding pass is the barcode or QR code, which is read by airline staff during boarding.
Can I save my boarding pass in my smartphone?
Many airlines offer their passengers to download digital versions of boarding passes via official or other apps. This can be done about 72 hours before departure, the time may vary depending on the airline carrier. Some airlines open electronic check-in 30 days before departure. Mobile versions of the boarding pass can be presented at the check-in counter and security check.
Do all airlines accept the mobile boarding pass?
If you intend to go to the airport with only the digital version of your boarding pass, be sure to find out in advance if this method is valid at your chosen airport for security screening. Some of them continue to consider unopened documents invalid. That's what a printed boarding pass is for.
If your phone suddenly malfunctions
Like any other technology, mobile devices can sometimes malfunction. For example, your battery runs out, an app gives you an error, or you can't find your boarding pass in your downloaded documents. In this case, you will have to queue up at the check-in desk and go through it again in the classic way. But since you will lose time because of this, it is much more convenient to take a "printout" with you just in case.
If you cannot find your boarding pass and you are already in the security area, please inform the attendant at the boarding gate. Your name is already on the passenger list, so manual boarding is often possible.
Why keep your boarding pass after the flight?
Experts advise you not to throw away your boarding pass after your flight or post pictures of it on social media to brag about your trip. The boarding pass and the barcode or QR code on it contains personal information about the passenger and their flight, which can be used by sensitive data thieves. It is better to keep it or destroy it to protect yourself from fraud.
