Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Nov 01 2023 Travel trends

In today's era of digitalization, the way we approach our travel experience has evolved significantly. This is particularly true for boarding passes, which were historically only obtainable at the airport check-in counter. Nowadays, passengers have a choice: You can either load a mobile boarding pass onto your smartphone or opt for the traditional printed version. While the digital boarding pass is undoubtedly convenient, there are compelling reasons why printing a physical boarding pass can still be worthwhile. Relying solely on your virtual version and not having a printed copy on hand could lead to difficulties.

Mobile boarding pass

Despite the fact that most major airports worldwide accept mobile boarding passes, there are still exceptions. A prime example is Marrakesh Airport, which has installed special signs to inform passengers that digital documents are not accepted at security checkpoints. Similar issues can also occur at other airports. If you rely solely on your mobile boarding pass and don't have a printed version with you, you could encounter problems on-site. While some airlines offer to print boarding passes on request for free, especially well-known budget airlines may charge for this assistance. Taking the precaution of printing your boarding pass can save you both time and money.

Boarding pass on smartphone

Even at airports that generally accept mobile boarding passes, unexpected issues can arise. Technical failures are always a possibility. Your phone's battery could be dead, or the app containing your boarding pass might simply refuse to open. In such moments, the absence of a printed boarding pass can be exceedingly frustrating. Consider how simple it is to print a physical boarding pass for such contingencies.

How to print your boarding pass

If you choose to print your boarding pass, you should first check in online. This is typically possible about 72 hours before your flight, with some airlines offering virtual check-ins up to 30 days in advance. After entering your data and completing the process, you can print your boarding pass. To do this, you will need:

• A computer or smartphone with an internet connection
• A sheet of paper in A4 format
• A printer with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi
• A web browser with pop-up blockers disabled

If you have only carry-on luggage, you can head directly to the security and passport control with your printed boarding pass, saving valuable time. Even if you have checked baggage, a self-printed boarding pass significantly streamlines the check-in process. Many airports offer self-check-in counters, which expedite the process. Some airports even have baggage kiosks that help bypass long lines at the check-in counter.

Where can I print boarding pass: FAQ

You may have some additional questions on this topic. Here are some important points to consider:

• If you are traveling with other passengers in the same booking, you can also print their boarding passes online and pass them on.
• If you have an invitation to a lounge, it should typically be indicated on your printed boarding pass, allowing for straightforward access at the entrance.
• If you encounter issues when printing the boarding pass, it often helps to power off all devices and try again later. If this doesn't work, you can visit the airport's self-check-in counter or use a check-in kiosk to collect your boarding pass before your flight. Remember that during the security check, there is a cross-check with your travel documents, making misuse unlikely.

Finally, if you lose your printed boarding pass, you can usually revisit the online check-in to print a new copy. However, be aware that depending on the airline, this option may expire around 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. In conclusion, printing your boarding pass offers additional security and convenience for your journey, making the minor inconvenience of printing well worth it.