How (and Where) to Get Your Boarding Pass

Whether you’re a first-time flier or it’s just been a while since you were at an airport, getting your boarding pass at the airport can be a confusing process at first. However, there’s no need to stress! Either get your boarding pass at the airport via the check-in counter or self-serve kiosks or download a mobile boarding pass to your phone ahead of time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps for each method to make your flight preparation easier.

How to Check-In & Get Your Boarding Pass at the Airport

Walk up to your airline’s check-in counter and present your ID and booking number. The check-in agent will print your boarding pass for you. Alternatively, print your own boarding pass at the airline’s self-service kiosk in the airport or download a mobile boarding pass to your phone from the airline’s app.

Section 1 of 4:

Getting Your Boarding Pass at the Check-in Counter

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Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, 2 hours is plenty of time to check in and get through security to your gate. For international flights, get to the airport 3 hours ahead of your flight. Plan accordingly so you don’t have to rush to make your flight.^{[1]
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- While 2-3 hours is a general recommendation, check with your airline for specific arrival guidelines.^{[2]
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- The amount of time you need to complete check-in varies based on the size of the airport, day of the week, travel season, and other factors. It’s a good idea to give yourself more time than you think you need!^{[3]
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Find your airline’s check-in counter and get in line. Most airlines have different lines for different types of travelers. For example, members of rewards programs and first-class flyers get preferential check-in services. Make sure you get in the appropriate line for your booking.^{[4]
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- If you are checking bags, you will have to proceed to the check-in counter no matter what to drop off your bag.^{[5]
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Provide the check-in agent with identification and flight information. Depending on your airline and your destination, the staff may ask for your flight number or booking number, or they may be able to check you in with just your ID/passport. Have all of your information and documents handy to present to the agent.^{[6]
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- If you booked your flight online, print out your confirmation email to provide all your flight information to the airline staff when they check you in.
- For international flights, make sure you have your passport!
The airline staff will usually check your bags while printing your boarding pass. Make sure to grab your baggage tag receipt for when you pick up your bag at your destination.^{[7]
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Check your boarding pass for your gate number and proceed to security. Follow the airport signs directing you to the appropriate security line for your gate. Keep your passport or ID and boarding pass out to present to TSA agents.^{[8]
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- Be prepared to remove your shoes and any items that have metal as you go through security and make sure that you do not have any prohibited items in your carry-on luggage.

Section 2 of 4:

Getting Your Boarding Pass at a Self-Serve Kiosk

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Get to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. Self-check-in lines are usually shorter than waiting in line for the airline counter staff to check you in, but leave yourself plenty of time for security or unexpected delays. In general, arrive at least 2 hours ahead of time for domestic flights and 3 hours ahead of time for international flights. Check with your airline for specific arrival recommendations.^{[9]
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- Remember that if you are checking a bag, you’ll still have to go to the airline counter even if you get your boarding pass at the self-serve kiosk.
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Locate your airline’s self-check-in kiosks and wait in line. The kiosks will be located near the airline’s check-in counter. An advantage of self-check-in kiosks is that there are usually no long lines, so you should be able to get your boarding pass relatively quickly. Have your ID and flight information handy when you proceed to the kiosk.^{[10]
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- If you are flying internationally, you will also need your passport.
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Follow the instructions on the screen to print your boarding pass. The check-in kiosk will prompt you to enter your flight information or scan your ID. Sometimes, you can also check in by scanning the credit card you paid for the flight with. The kiosk will guide you through each step of the process.^{[11]
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- Your passport is required for international flights. The kiosk will prompt you to scan it.
- Bring a printed copy of the confirmation email you received if you booked online so you have all your flight details available.
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Check your gate number and go through security. Locate your gate number on your boarding pass and follow the airport signs to find security for your gate. Have your ID/passport and boarding pass ready to present to security agents, and make sure that your carry-on luggage meets all airport and security guidelines.^{[12]
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- Read the TSA’s airport security guidelines prior to arriving at the airport to learn what you can and can’t bring through security.

Section 3 of 4:

Downloading a Digital Boarding Pass

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Check in on your airline’s app or website. These days, 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. Typically, the airline sends you an email 24 hours before your flight letting you know you can check-in. Pull up the airline’s app or navigate to their website to fill out the required information, like your name and departure date to receive your digital boarding pass.^{[13]
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- Some international flights will allow online check-in but still require you to come to the check-in counter to receive your boarding pass so they can verify your passport.
- Before downloading a mobile boarding pass, check with your departing and connecting airports to make sure they accept them.
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Download the boarding pass to your phone’s wallet. While the exact process may differ from airline to airline, follow the on-screen instructions to download a mobile boarding pass to your phone. Save it to your wallet so you can easily pull it up when needed.^{[14]
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- If you have trouble downloading the boarding pass for whatever reason, screenshots also work. Just make sure the QR or barcode is completely visible and that you screenshot the entire pass.
- Note that if you’re checking a bag, you’ll still have to go to the airline’s check-in counter even if you already have your boarding pass.^{[15]
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- The airline will likely give you the option to have your boarding pass emailed as well. Then, you can print out a physical copy of your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport. It’s a good idea to have a physical copy in case something goes wrong with the digital version.
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Scan the QR code at security and when boarding the plane. Pull up your boarding pass and hold your phone over the scanner at security to scan your QR code, present your ID/passport, and then proceed through security as usual. When it’s time to board the plane, you’ll do the same thing at the gate. Make sure the entire barcode or QR code is visible when you present the boarding pass.^{[16]
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- In some cases, the TSA agent may scan the code for you if the airport doesn’t have scanners.
- Be sure to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight so you have time to get through security. Check with your airline for specific arrival details and recommendations.^{[17]
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- In general, digital boarding passes automatically update with any gate changes, so keep an eye on it to make sure you go to the right place.

Section 4 of 4:

Boarding Pass FAQs

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Technically, the ticket for your flight is generated as an e-ticket when you book your flight. Your boarding pass isn’t generated until check-in, but it does act like a “ticket” to board the plane, as you can’t get on without one.^{[18]
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Checking in for your flight is essentially the same as getting your boarding pass. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, find your airline, and get in line at the check-in counter or self-serve kiosk. Present your ID and your flight information as needed to get your boarding pass, and check any bags at the check-in counter. Check in online by following the instructions on your airline’s app or website.^{[19]
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Your boarding pass includes your legal name and flight information (i.e., the airline name, departure gate, departure and arrival cities, flight number, boarding and departure times, boarding group number, and seat assignment). It also includes a barcode or QR code that gets scanned at security and when you board the plane.^{[20]
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If your airport and airline accept mobile boarding passes, it isn’t necessary to print one out. However, it may be a good idea to print a copy as a backup in case your phone dies or the technology otherwise fails. If you didn’t print a copy at home, visit the check-in counter or self-serve kiosk when you arrive at the airport.^{[21]
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Can I go through TSA without a boarding pass? No, you must present either a physical or mobile copy of your boarding pass to get through security and board your plane. The only exception is if you have an escort pass to accompany a minor or a person with a disability to the gate.^{[22]
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- To get an escort pass, present your ID at the airline check-in counter and request one. While escort passes aren’t guaranteed, most airlines will give you one without a hassle.

Community Q&A

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If my plane ticket is on my cell phone, then how will I show my ticket to the security personnel? I have no printed out ticket.

Community Answer

You show them the ticket on your phone! Just open up the app or email for the security agent and they will scan the barcode.

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Will my boarding pass show all the connections I will be making on the flight?

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No, traditionally you will receive separate boarding passes for each flight you are taking. So at each connection, you will need to pull up a new boarding pass.

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We have checked in online so do we still have to go to the counter to get our tickets?

SapphireGalaxy

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No, if you have checked in online and have your boarding passes available (generally via mobile app or a link they send to your email/via text message), you do not need to go to the counter.

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Tips

If you lose your boarding pass, don’t worry. Simply ask a gate agent to reprint it. This can be done at the check-in counter if you haven’t gone through security yet and at the departure gate if you have.

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Mobile boarding passes may be a good option if you’re worried you’ll lose a paper boarding pass. Just make sure your phone is well-charged so you can pull it up when needed.

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Warnings

Never post a photo of your boarding pass on social media. Your boarding pass contains your name and all the details of your flight, and the QR code contains all your personal information for the flight, which a hacker could easily access. Shred or destroy your boarding pass and luggage claim tags after your trip.

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Note that the name on your boarding pass must match the name on your ID. If you made an error when purchasing the ticket, contact the airline immediately.

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Check-in deadlines are typically 30-60 minutes before boarding. If you miss check-in, you won’t be able to board your flight.^{[23]
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