Interesting factsabout boarding pass

  • In the early days of commercial aviation, boarding passes were handwritten by airline staff, and passengers were required to present their ticket and ID to board the plane.
  • In some countries, such as Japan and China, it is considered disrespectful to fold or crumple your boarding pass, as it is seen as a symbol of disrespect towards the airline.
  • Low-cost airlines may charge extra fees for printing boarding passes at the airport instead of using a mobile or online version.
  • On some boarding passes, you may find information about the type of aircraft being used for the flight, such as the make and model.
  • In 2015, a security researcher demonstrated that he could hack into a plane’s entertainment system and potentially control the aircraft using just the information found on a boarding pass barcode.
  • Many airlines and airports are now experimenting with facial recognition technology to verify passengers’ identities and eliminate the need for physical boarding passes.
  • In some cases, such as when flying on a private jet or charter plane, a boarding pass may not be necessary at all.

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What information is on a boarding pass?

A boarding pass contains essential information about a passenger's flight, including the flight number, departure and arrival times, seat number, gate number, and boarding time. It can include a boarding group or zone number, which determines the order in which passengers board the plane.

Boarding passes may also contain information about the passenger's frequent flyer status, which can entitle them to additional benefits such as priority boarding or lounge access.

In the US, boarding passes may contain a TSA PreCheck indicator, which allows passengers to go through expedited security screening.

How boarding pass look like?

A boarding pass can come in various formats, depending on the airline and the method of check-in. Some boarding passes are paper documents, while others are digital or mobile boarding passes that can be accessed via a smartphone or tablet.

The 2-dimensional barcode printed on the boarding pass can be scanned using a smartphone or barcode reader.

Difference between boarding pass and plane ticket

A boarding pass is a document that confirms a passenger's seat on a specific flight and provides access to the aircraft. In contrast, a plane ticket is a document that confirms the purchase of a ticket for a specific flight and includes the passenger's itinerary and fare.

While a boarding pass is required to board the flight, a plane ticket is required to obtain a boarding pass and gain access to the airport.

Where is the ticket number on a boarding pass?

On a paper boarding pass, look for a 13-digit number, often starting with the 3-digit airline code, printed near your name, reservation code, or flight information.

On an electronic boarding pass the ticket number is typically displayed on the screen or within the app containing the boarding pass. It may be labeled as "ticket information," "e-ticket number," or "document number."

If unavailable on the boarding pass, check your email confirmation or the airline's website or app where you booked the ticket. Note that the ticket number is different from the reservation code or PNR (booking reference).

How to get a boarding pass?

A boarding pass can be obtained in several ways, depending on the airline and the method of check-in.

You can usually check-in online up to 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to access a digital boarding pass.

Alternatively, you can check-in at the airport using a self-service kiosk or at the airline's check-in counter.

Do you need to print the boarding pass?

It depends on the airline and the method of check-in. Some airlines require passengers to print their boarding pass at home or at a self-service kiosk, while others allow passengers to access a digital boarding pass via a mobile app.

However, if you are unable to access a boarding pass digitally, you may need to print a paper copy to present at the airport.

Can you use your phone as a boarding pass?

Yes, boarding passes are now often available in digital form, allowing passengers to store them on their smartphones or other mobile devices.

To use your phone for a boarding pass, follow these steps:

  1. Check-in online through the airline's website or app.
  2. Receive the electronic boarding pass via email or text, or download it in the app.
  3. Save the boarding pass to your phone's wallet app or keep it accessible in your email or the airline's app.
  4. At the airport, open the saved boarding pass on your phone's screen.
  5. Scan the QR or barcode at security checkpoints and the boarding gate.

How to add boarding pass to Apple wallet?

After receiving the electronic boarding pass, look for an "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Add to Wallet" button within the email or the airline's app. Tap the button and follow the prompts to save the boarding pass to your Apple Wallet.

What does SSSS mean on a boarding pass?

"SSSS" on a boarding pass indicates that the passenger has been selected for additional security screening at the airport.

SSSS stands for "Secondary Security Screening Selection" or "Selectee". The extra screening may involve a more thorough physical search, additional questioning, and inspection of your carry-on luggage. The selection for SSSS can be random or based on specific criteria determined by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) or other security agencies.

What happens if you lose your boarding pass?

If you lose your boarding pass, go to the airline's check-in counter or a self-service kiosk, provide your identification and flight information, and ask for a new one.

If you lose an electronic boarding pass, simply access your email, the airline's app, or website to retrieve it and save it again on your phone.

If you're unable to retrieve your boarding pass through the above methods, contact the airline's customer service for assistance. Losing a boarding pass is not uncommon, and airport staff is equipped to handle it. Remember to keep your identification and flight information handy to speed up the process. Proof of purchase or reservation may be needed to receive a new copy of your boarding pass.

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