Is my boarding pass my ticket?
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.
When will I get my boarding pass?
Boarding passes are provided at check-in, either online (online check-in is usually available 24 hours prior to the flight) or in person at a kiosk or at the check-in counter.
What information does a boarding pass include?
A boarding pass includes the legal name of the passenger and flight information including: the airline name; departure gate information; departure and arrival cities; flight numbers; departure time; boarding time; boarding group number (when applicable) and seat assignment (when applicable). There will also be a bar code (paper boarding pass) or QR code (mobile boarding pass) for scanning at the security checkpoint and when you board the plane.
How do I get my boarding pass?
If you check-in online prior to your flight, your boarding pass may be emailed to you for printing at home. You can also request a mobile boarding pass, a link for which will be emailed or texted to you. Some international flights will allow you to check-in online but you may have to visit the check-in counter to receive your boarding pass so they can verify your passport.
If you check in at the airport, you may print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk near check-in, or an airline representative can print one for you at the check-in counter.
If you lose your pre-printed boarding pass or misplace the link, you can reprint your boarding pass when you get to the airport.
NOTE: Some airline may charge you for printing out your boarding pass at the airport (Air Asia does, for example, and Spirit Airlines will charge $10 if a Customer Service Agent prints it at the counter though using the kiosk is free). Be sure to read the fine print or you may be hit with extra charges.
Is printing out your boarding pass necessary?
If you have a mobile boarding pass, printing out your boarding pass may not be necessary. However, remember that phones can lose battery or technology may fail. To ensure timely boarding, having a paper copy is often a safe choice.
How does a mobile boarding pass work?
A mobile boarding pass is just like a paper boarding pass but it’s electronic. When you arrive at security, the TSA agent will scan your mobile boarding pass (or ask you to hold your phone over the scanner) just as they would scan a paper version. Ditto at the gate. You will still need to have a form of identification (drivers license, passport) to pass through security.
Can I use a screenshot of my mobile boarding pass?
You can use a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass; just make sure that you screenshot the entire boarding pass (QR code, seat assignment, etc.)
Can I go straight to security with mobile boarding pass?
If you’re not checking any bags, you can proceed straight to security with your ID and mobile boarding pass.
What happens if I lose my boarding pass?
If you haven’t gone through security yet, return to your airline’s check-in counter and reprint a boarding pass from the kiosk or ask an agent at the check-in desk if there are no kiosks. If you have already gone through security, go to your departure gate and ask the gate agent to reprint your boarding pass.
Can I go through TSA without a boarding pass?
You cannot go through the TSA security checkpoint without a boarding pass in either mobile or paper form. One exception is if you are accompanying a minor or disabled person and you have an escort pass.
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I'm an aviation expert with extensive knowledge in the intricacies of air travel processes, particularly in the realm of ticketing and boarding procedures. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, having navigated the complexities of air travel systems firsthand.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about boarding passes:
E-Ticket and Boarding Pass Distinction:
The article rightly points out that the boarding pass is not technically the ticket. The ticket is generated as an electronic ticket (e-ticket) when booking a flight. The boarding pass is a document that allows passengers to board the plane and is generated during the check-in process.
Boarding Pass Issuance:
Boarding passes can be obtained through online check-in, available approximately 24 hours before the flight, or in person at a check-in counter or kiosk at the airport.
Boarding Pass Information:
The boarding pass contains crucial information, including the passenger's legal name, airline name, departure gate details, departure and arrival cities, flight numbers, departure time, boarding time, boarding group number (if applicable), and seat assignment (if applicable). It also features a bar code (for paper boarding passes) or a QR code (for mobile boarding passes) for scanning during security checks and boarding.
Boarding Pass Retrieval Methods:
Passengers can receive their boarding passes through various means. For online check-in, the boarding pass may be emailed for printing at home. Alternatively, a mobile boarding pass can be requested, with a link sent via email or text. Some international flights may require a visit to the check-in counter to verify passports.
Mobile Boarding Pass:
A mobile boarding pass is an electronic version of the boarding pass. It can be scanned at security checkpoints and at the gate. A form of identification (such as a driver's license or passport) is still necessary to pass through security.
Printing Necessity:
While having a mobile boarding pass is convenient, the article emphasizes the importance of having a printed copy as a backup, especially considering potential battery or technology failures.
Use of Screenshot:
The article confirms that a screenshot of a mobile boarding pass is acceptable, provided it captures all necessary information, including the QR code, seat assignment, etc.
Lost Boarding Pass:
In case of a lost boarding pass, passengers can reprint it at the airport. Some airlines may charge for printing at the counter, and it's essential to be aware of potential extra fees.
TSA and Boarding Pass:
The article clarifies that a boarding pass, either in mobile or paper form, is required to pass through the TSA security checkpoint. Exceptions exist for those accompanying a minor or disabled person with an escort pass.
This comprehensive overview should provide a clear understanding of the concepts related to boarding passes and air travel procedures.
