Owais Crawford
A boarding pass is a document that gives a passenger permission to board a plane. It is provided at check-in, either online or in person at a kiosk or check-in counter. It includes the legal name of the passenger and flight information such as the airline name, departure gate information, departure and arrival cities, flight numbers, departure time, boarding time, boarding group number, and seat assignment. It also contains barcodes or QR codes, which can be scanned to present an airline or airport staffer with the passenger's information. The boarding pass is an essential document without which it is impossible to board the aircraft, even with a flight ticket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A document that gives a passenger permission to board the plane |
| Types | Paper boarding pass, Mobile boarding pass |
| Paper Boarding Pass | Requires a printer, can be printed at home, at the airport, or at the check-in counter |
| Mobile Boarding Pass | Can be saved on a mobile wallet, requires a mobile device with a screen |
| Information | Legal name of the passenger, flight information, bar code or QR code for scanning |
| Check-in | Can be done online, at a kiosk, or at the check-in counter |
| Security | Bar codes and magnetic stripes are used to verify the validity of the boarding pass |
| Future Developments | Facial recognition technology, 'journey pass' stored on passengers' phones |
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What You'll Learn
How to get a boarding pass at the airport
A boarding pass is your "ticket" to board the plane. It is generated upon check-in, either online or at the check-in counter. It includes the legal name of the passenger and flight information such as the airline name, departure gate information, departure and arrival cities, flight numbers, departure time, boarding time, boarding group number, and seat assignment.
Check-in Counter
To get your boarding pass at the airport, you can go to your airline's check-in counter and present your ID and booking number. The check-in agent will then print the boarding pass for you.
Self-service Kiosk
You can also print your own boarding pass at the airline's self-service kiosk in the airport.
Mobile Boarding Pass
Many airlines allow you to get a digital boarding pass and check in for your flight without having to wait in line at the airport. You can download a mobile boarding pass to your phone from the airline's app or website. You can also request a mobile boarding pass via email or text. Make sure to check that your departing and connecting airports accept mobile boarding passes.
By Email
You can also choose to get a PDF of a paper boarding pass emailed to you, which you can then print from anywhere, including at the airport kiosk or counter.
Remember to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time to check in and get through security. Keep your passport or ID and boarding pass ready to present at security checkpoints and when you board the plane.
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The difference between a ticket and a boarding pass
A plane ticket, also known as an airline ticket or flight ticket, is a reservation for a seat on an aeroplane. It is a trade document and a "receipt" that proves you have paid. It is usually required to be presented alongside proof of identity during the check-in procedure, either at the airport counter or online.
A boarding pass, on the other hand, is an operational document that allows you to board the plane and access certain secure areas of the airport. It is typically issued after check-in, either at the airport counter or online. It contains important information such as the passenger's name, flight number, estimated departure time, cabin class, and seat number.
In the past, paper tickets and boarding passes were commonly used. However, with the advancement of technology, electronic tickets and boarding passes have become increasingly popular. Electronic tickets, also known as e-tickets, are digital receipts that can be accessed on mobile devices. They eliminate the need for printing and provide convenience for travellers.
While a plane ticket confirms your purchase and reservation, a boarding pass is required to physically board the aircraft and access secure areas of the airport. It serves as a gate pass and provides information about your specific seat assignment. Some airlines may still require a paper boarding pass to be retained by staff or for visa verification.
It is important to note that both documents are essential for a seamless travel experience. The ticket allows you to reserve your seat and make the payment, while the boarding pass grants you access to the aircraft and designated areas within the airport. It is recommended to keep both documents handy during your journey.
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The information included on a boarding pass
A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during airport check-in, giving a passenger permission to board the plane for a particular flight. It is not the same as an airline ticket, which is proof of purchase of a flight or airfare.
At a minimum, a boarding pass identifies the passenger, the flight number, the date, and the scheduled time for departure. It may also indicate details of the perks a passenger is entitled to (e.g. lounge access, priority boarding) and is presented at the entrance of such facilities to show eligibility.
A boarding pass may be issued as a paper ticket or a mobile boarding pass, which can be accessed on smartphones, smartwatches, or tablets. Paper boarding passes are typically printed on a rectangular slip of paper and include a barcode to be scanned at the gate during boarding. Mobile boarding passes display the same information as traditional paper boarding passes, including a scannable barcode or QR code.
The barcode on a boarding pass contains a wealth of information, including the passenger's full name, date of birth, flight number, source and destination airport, seat number, and a Passenger Name Record (PNR) locator code. The PNR is a data-rich record that is generated every time a passenger books a flight and includes information such as meal preferences or other special requests. The PNR locator code, also referred to as a booking reference number, can be used to log in to the airline's website and access information about the traveller.
In addition to the barcode, a boarding pass may include various codes and abbreviations. For example, "SSSS" indicates that the passenger has been selected for additional security screening, while "S/O" denotes a stopover or layover, and "SPTC" indicates a long stopover with possible hotel accommodation. The boarding pass may also include the airline's abbreviation, which is typically a combination of two uppercase letters that represent the airline's name in shorthand (e.g. "AA" for American Airlines).
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The different types of boarding passes
A boarding pass is a crucial document that allows a passenger to board a plane. It is typically obtained after check-in, either online or at the airport. While the traditional paper boarding pass is still widely used, the shift towards digitisation has led to the increasing popularity of mobile or digital boarding passes.
Paper Boarding Pass
The paper boarding pass is typically printed on a rectangular slip of paper. It includes essential passenger information, such as the traveller's name, flight details, and a barcode or magnetic strip that can be scanned at various checkpoints during the airport journey. Paper boarding passes can be obtained from check-in counters, self-service kiosks, or through the airline's web check-in, offering convenience and flexibility to travellers.
Mobile or Digital Boarding Pass
The mobile or digital boarding pass is a convenient alternative to its paper counterpart. It is sent to the passenger's mobile device as an SMS, email, or through an airline app. This option allows passengers to access their boarding pass easily on their smartphones, smartwatches, or tablets. Similar to the paper version, the mobile boarding pass includes passenger and flight information, along with a QR code for scanning at security checkpoints and during boarding. The mobile pass can also be added to digital wallet apps, providing quick access without the need to open the airline's dedicated app.
Stamp-Based Boarding Pass
Some airlines and airport authorities use stamp-based boarding passes. After performing document verification checks, the boarding card is stamped, indicating that the passenger has been authorised to proceed. Passengers then present their stamped boarding cards at the gate to board the aircraft. This process may vary between airlines, with some opting not to offer mobile boarding passes for specific flights to facilitate the stamping procedure.
Print-at-Home Boarding Pass
Pioneered by British Airways CitiExpress, the print-at-home boarding pass allows travellers to print their boarding passes from the comfort of their homes or any location with an internet connection and a printer. This initiative was introduced to minimise queues at check-in desks, offering passengers the convenience of printing their boarding passes in advance.
It is important to note that the specific features and availability of each type of boarding pass may vary depending on the airline and airport. Passengers should refer to their airline's guidelines to understand the options available to them and make informed choices when planning their travel itinerary.
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The future of boarding passes
The future of air travel is set to transform with the phasing out of one of its most fundamental elements: the boarding pass. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is leading this shift by introducing a "digital travel credential." This initiative aims to eliminate the traditional check-in procedures and physical travel documents, such as boarding passes, within the next two to three years.
The introduction of digital travel credentials will allow passengers to store verified passport data and other travel information securely on their smartphones. This enables a seamless travel experience through the use of facial recognition technology at airports. Upon arrival at the airport, passengers will have their faces scanned for verification, doing away with the need for manual check-ins. This digital approach will also enhance continuity across airline systems, ensuring dynamic updates to travel itineraries.
Additionally, the new system addresses the challenges associated with delayed or missed connecting flights. With the planned technology, passengers who experience delays beyond their control will automatically receive notifications on their mobile devices, providing details of their new onward journey. This automated process will streamline travel plans, further reducing the need for manual interventions.
While the shift towards digital travel credentials and facial recognition technology offers enhanced convenience and efficiency, it also raises privacy concerns. To address this, Amadeus, a travel technology company, has developed a system that automatically erases passenger data within 15 seconds of interaction with a "touchpoint." This ensures that personal information is not stored or accessed inappropriately, protecting the privacy of travellers.
As the industry embraces this digital future, it is essential to ensure that airport infrastructure keeps pace with these advancements. Upgrades to airport technology and systems will be crucial in successfully implementing these changes and providing a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
A boarding pass is a document that gives a passenger permission to board a plane.
You can obtain a boarding pass at check-in, either online or in person at a kiosk or check-in counter. You can also print a physical copy of your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
A boarding pass includes the legal name of the passenger and flight information such as the airline name, departure gate, departure and arrival cities, flight number, boarding and departure times, and seat assignment. It also includes a barcode or QR code for scanning at the security checkpoint and when boarding the plane.
An airline ticket, or e-ticket, is issued electronically when a flight is booked. A boarding pass is generated at check-in and acts as a "ticket" to board the plane.
Yes, many airlines offer mobile boarding passes that can be downloaded to your phone, smartwatch, or tablet. However, it is recommended to have a physical copy as well in case of any issues with the digital version.
