Do I Need to Print My Boarding Pass in 2026? Digital vs Printed Requirements

Introduction

Most airlines in 2026 accept digital boarding passes on smartphones, eliminating the need for printed paper copies. Approximately 85 percent of travelers now use mobile boarding passes according to industry reports, with major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines all supporting digital options. However, certain international destinations, specific airport locations, and technical situations still require printed boarding passes as backups.

The shift toward fully digital boarding accelerated through 2025 and 2026. Ryanair eliminated paper boarding passes entirely, requiring all passengers to use digital versions. Alaska Airlines removed boarding pass printing from lobby kiosks in March 2024. This trend continues across the industry as airlines reduce operational costs and embrace contactless travel experiences.

The State of Digital Boarding Passes in 2026

Major U.S. Airlines Digital Policies

American Airlines supports mobile boarding passes at all domestic airports and most international locations. The carrier launched digital boarding in 2008 and expanded the program to 27 airports by 2009. As of 2026, travelers can access boarding passes through multiple channels.

American Airlines Digital Options:

• American Airlines mobile app for iOS and Android
• Email links with PDF attachments
• Apple Wallet integration for iPhone users
• Direct scanning at TSA checkpoints and gates
• Real-time flight status updates through the app

Delta Air Lines provides digital boarding passes for all flights through its mobile app and website. The airline integrates with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet for convenient access. Delta passengers can scan QR codes directly from their phones at TSA security checkpoints and boarding gates.

United Airlines offers mobile boarding passes systemwide with enhanced features in the United app. The carrier supports Apple Wallet’s iOS 26 boarding pass format launched in late 2025. United’s digital boarding system includes several advanced capabilities.

United Airlines Mobile Features:

• Real-time gate changes pushed to your device
• Delay and cancellation notifications
• Direct integration with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID screening
• Biometric boarding at select airports
• Connection assistance and rebooking options in-app

Southwest Airlines maintains digital boarding pass options while transitioning to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. The carrier’s app allows families to store multiple boarding passes in one device. Southwest integrates with Apple Wallet and provides QR code scanning at gates across its network.

Alaska Airlines took the boldest step toward digital-only operations by eliminating paper boarding pass printing from lobby kiosks in March 2024. Travelers must check in digitally through the Alaska Airlines mobile app or website.

Alaska Airlines Digital-First Policy:

• No self-service kiosk printing available
• Digital check-in required for all passengers
• Customer service agents provide printed passes only when digital access is impossible
• Mobile app mandatory for standard check-in process
• Free printed passes available from agents for technology issues

European Airlines Leading Digital Adoption

Ryanair operates as the first major airline to go completely digital with boarding passes. The Irish carrier found that 60 percent of passengers already used mobile boarding passes before eliminating paper options. Ryanair plans to remove check-in desks entirely at airports, requiring all passengers to complete online check-in before arrival.

British Airways encourages digital boarding passes through its mobile app while maintaining paper options for passengers who prefer them. The airline sends push notifications about gate changes, boarding times, and delays directly through the app. BA integrates with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet for seamless digital storage.

EasyJet promotes mobile boarding passes across its European network with plans to reduce paper usage by 90 percent by 2027. The carrier integrates biometric facial recognition technology at select airports, allowing passengers to board without scanning any boarding pass. The system uses facial scans to match travelers with their flight reservations.

TUI Airways maintains both digital and paper boarding pass options, recognizing that some passengers lack smartphone access. After checking in online, travelers can download digital passes or print them at home. TUI serves older demographics and families who may prefer traditional paper documentation.

Digital Wallet Integration

Apple Wallet supports boarding passes from United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, and Virgin Australia as of iOS 26. The enhanced boarding pass format displays detailed flight information including seat numbers, gate assignments, and real-time updates.

Google Wallet provides boarding pass storage for major carriers with automatic syncing across Android devices. The wallet app pushes notifications when boarding begins or gate assignments change. Travelers can access passes offline after initial download, protecting against connectivity issues at airports.

Samsung Wallet offers similar functionality for Samsung Galaxy device users. The wallet integrates with airline apps and email-based boarding passes. Samsung devices allow boarding pass display on Galaxy Watches paired with smartphones.

Digital wallet passes load automatically from airline apps or email links. Travelers simply tap “Add to Wallet” when receiving their boarding pass. The pass remains accessible from the device lock screen for quick scanning at security and gates.

When You Still Need Printed Boarding Passes

International Flight Requirements

Some international destinations require printed boarding passes for visa verification and customs processes. Countries with strict entry requirements want physical documentation showing return flights and onward travel. Immigration officers in certain nations refuse to accept mobile boarding passes during passport control.

Codeshare flights operated by foreign carriers may mandate printed passes even when booking through U.S. airlines. Partner airlines in Asia, Africa, and South America often maintain paper boarding pass requirements. Travelers should verify specific requirements with their operating carrier before international trips.

Connecting international flights through hubs outside the United States sometimes require printed documentation. Airlines need to verify visa compliance before allowing passengers to board. Paper boarding passes provide backup documentation if mobile devices fail during complex international itineraries.

Countries and Airports Requiring Printed Boarding Passes:

• Morocco (all airports including Marrakesh)
• Turkey (most airports except Dalaman)
• Albania (until March 2026)
• China
• Russia
• India
• Several Middle Eastern countries

Airlines Often Requiring Printed Passes:

• Air China
• Royal Air Maroc
• Turkish Airlines
• IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet
• Partner airlines in developing countries
• Regional carriers lacking digital infrastructure

Multi-city international trips with different airlines necessitate printed passes for each carrier. Digital passes from one airline’s app don’t transfer to another carrier’s system. Travelers making connections across multiple airlines should print all boarding passes to avoid complications at transfer airports.

Low-Cost Carrier Policies

Ryanair charges fees up to €55 ($60) at airport check-in counters if passengers arrive without proper boarding passes. The airline requires all travelers to check in online and download mobile passes before airport arrival. Failure to present digital boarding passes results in significant additional costs.

Spirit Airlines encourages digital boarding passes but charges $10 at airport kiosks for passengers who need printed versions. The ultra-low-cost carrier monetizes every aspect of the travel experience including boarding pass printing. Spirit passengers save money by accessing mobile passes through the app.

Frontier Airlines maintains similar policies with fees for airport check-in services. The carrier pushes travelers toward online check-in and mobile boarding passes. Frontier’s business model relies on unbundling services and charging for previously free amenities.

Allegiant Air promotes mobile boarding passes while offering printed options at kiosks for nominal fees. The leisure-focused carrier serves smaller airports where some travelers may have limited smartphone usage. Allegiant balances digital adoption with customer service for less tech-savvy passengers.

Small Regional Airports

Rural airports serving populations under 50,000 may lack updated scanning equipment for mobile boarding passes. These facilities sometimes require paper passes that gate agents manually check. Regional carriers operating at small airports accommodate both digital and paper documentation.

Older airport infrastructure struggles with QR code scanners and digital verification systems. Budget constraints prevent small airports from upgrading technology as quickly as major hubs. Travelers flying through regional airports should carry printed backup passes when possible.

Weather-related power outages at small airports knock out digital scanning systems. Gate agents revert to manual boarding processes using paper passes during technical failures. This reality makes printed boarding passes prudent for travel through rural and regional facilities.

Corporate aviation terminals and fixed-base operators serving private aircraft typically require printed documentation. These facilities cater to business aviation where passengers often lack commercial airline apps. Private terminals maintain paper-based processes for charter and private flights.

Technical Failures and Backup Solutions

Dead smartphone batteries render digital boarding passes inaccessible at the worst times. Travelers racing through airports discover their phones died after security screening. This common scenario forces passengers to visit airline counters for printed replacement passes.

Lost or stolen phones during travel eliminate access to digital boarding passes stored in airline apps or wallets. Travelers whose devices go missing at airports face complications retrieving boarding passes without their phones. Airlines can reissue passes but the process causes delays.

App malfunctions and software crashes prevent boarding pass display when travelers need them most. Airline app servers experience outages during peak travel periods. Passengers cannot access digital passes when apps fail to load or sync properly.

Network connectivity issues at airports block boarding pass retrieval for travelers who didn’t download passes offline. Many passengers wait until arriving at airports to access boarding passes. Weak WiFi or overloaded cellular networks prevent app access during critical moments.

Airline-by-Airline Digital Boarding Pass Policies

Airline	Digital Pass Accepted	Apple Wallet Support	Printed Pass Required	Charging Fee for Print
American Airlines	Yes (all airports)	Yes	No	Free at kiosks
Delta Air Lines	Yes (all airports)	Yes	No	Free at kiosks
United Airlines	Yes (all airports)	Yes	No	Free at kiosks
Southwest Airlines	Yes (all airports)	Yes	No	Free at kiosks
Alaska Airlines	Yes (all airports)	Yes	Only if unable to access digital	Free from agents
JetBlue Airways	Yes (all airports)	Yes (coming soon)	No	Free at kiosks
Ryanair	Yes (required)	No	No longer offered	€55 fee if no digital pass
EasyJet	Yes (preferred)	No	Optional	Free at kiosks
British Airways	Yes (encouraged)	Yes	Optional	Free at kiosks
Spirit Airlines	Yes	No	Optional	$10 at kiosks
Frontier Airlines	Yes	No	Optional	$2-$5 at kiosks

The comparison reveals clear industry trends toward digital-only boarding. Budget carriers lead the shift by charging fees for paper passes. Full-service airlines maintain free alternatives while strongly encouraging mobile adoption.

How to Access Digital Boarding Passes

Mobile App Check-In Process

Download your airline’s official mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Install apps before travel to avoid last-minute downloads at airports with slow WiFi. Airline apps require several hundred megabytes of storage space and take time to configure properly.

Complete online check-in starting 24 hours before domestic flights or 48 hours before some international flights. The airline app notifies you when check-in opens. Input your confirmation code or frequent flyer number to access your reservation and begin the check-in process.

Select seats if not already assigned, add bags if checking luggage, and review flight details. Confirm all passenger information appears correctly including names matching identification documents. Complete security questions and passport information for international flights.

Receive your digital boarding pass immediately after completing check-in. The app displays a QR code containing your flight information. Save the boarding pass to your phone’s home screen or add it to your digital wallet for easier access.

Set screen brightness to maximum when displaying boarding passes at security and gates. Dim screens prevent scanners from reading QR codes properly. Hold your phone steady six inches from scanners to ensure successful reads. Understanding the best airline loyalty programs for 2026 helps travelers maximize rewards when checking in digitally.

Email and SMS Boarding Passes

Choose email or SMS delivery during online check-in through airline websites. Enter your email address or phone number to receive boarding pass links. Airlines send messages within seconds of completing check-in confirmation.

Check email or text messages for links to digital boarding passes. Click the link to view your boarding pass in a mobile web browser. Some airlines send PDF attachments viewable in email apps without additional clicks.

Save email boarding passes to your device for offline access. Download PDF attachments or take screenshots of QR codes. This backup strategy protects against network connectivity problems at airports.

Forward boarding pass emails to companions traveling with you. Parents can email boarding passes to adult children meeting them at destinations. Business travelers share passes with executive assistants managing their travel arrangements.

Adding Passes to Digital Wallets

Open boarding pass emails or airline apps displaying QR codes. Look for “Add to Apple Wallet,” “Add to Google Wallet,” or “Add to Samsung Wallet” buttons. Tap the button to begin the wallet integration process.

Confirm adding the boarding pass to your digital wallet when prompted. The pass transfers automatically with all flight information intact. Wallet apps organize passes chronologically, displaying your next flight at the top.

Access boarding passes from your device lock screen without opening apps or entering passwords. Digital wallets show boarding passes when relevant based on flight times and locations. This convenience speeds up security and boarding processes.

Delete expired boarding passes from wallets after completing flights. Old passes accumulate and clutter wallet apps. Regular cleanup maintains organized digital pass collections.

Offline Access and Screenshot Strategies

Enable offline access in airline apps by loading boarding passes while connected to WiFi. The apps cache boarding pass information locally on your device. This feature works even after losing internet connectivity at airports.

Take screenshots of boarding passes as ultimate backup protection. Screenshots remain accessible even if apps crash or fail to load. Store screenshots in dedicated travel folders within your photo gallery for quick retrieval.

Email boarding pass screenshots to yourself for additional redundancy. Your email account provides cloud backup accessible from any device. Borrow someone else’s phone to check email and display your boarding pass if your phone fails.

Print screenshots at airport business centers or hotel concierge desks if needed. Many airports offer printing services for travelers experiencing technology failures. This option costs a few dollars but solves emergencies when digital passes won’t work.

Benefits of Digital Boarding Passes

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Airlines save 1.2 billion sheets of paper annually through digital boarding pass adoption. This environmental benefit reduces deforestation and manufacturing pollution from paper production. Each printed boarding pass requires energy-intensive processing and transportation to airports.

Digital boarding eliminates physical waste at airports and on aircraft. Gate agents no longer collect paper stubs that fill trash receptacles. The paperless approach aligns with broader aviation industry sustainability initiatives targeting carbon neutrality.

Reduced printing infrastructure at airports decreases energy consumption from boarding pass kiosks. Fewer machines mean lower electricity usage and reduced electronic waste from outdated equipment. Airlines reinvest savings from eliminated printing costs into other passenger services.

Travelers concerned about environmental footprints prefer digital boarding passes. The eco-friendly option appeals to conscientious flyers who minimize waste across all aspects of life. Airlines market digital boarding as part of corporate social responsibility programs.

Time Savings and Convenience

Digital boarding passes eliminate stops at airport kiosks and ticket counters. Travelers proceed directly from car drop-off or parking to TSA security checkpoints. This streamlined process saves 10 to 15 minutes per trip through busy airports.

Real-time updates push directly to smartphones when gate assignments change. Traditional paper passes require travelers to monitor airport displays for changes. Mobile boarding passes alert travelers immediately about delays, cancellations, or gate switches.

No physical documents to track throughout travel reduces lost item stress. Boarding passes printed on thermal paper fade and become illegible over time. Digital versions remain clear and accessible throughout multi-leg journeys requiring multiple boardings.

Travelers carrying only smartphones eliminate bulky wallets and folders full of documents. The minimalist approach simplifies movement through airport security and crowded terminals. Digital boarding fits modern travel expectations for frictionless experiences.

Integration with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID works exclusively with mobile boarding passes at participating airports. The biometric screening program launched in 2025 requires digital passes displaying TouchlessID indicators. Travelers with paper passes cannot use expedited facial recognition lanes.

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines integrate with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Passengers opt into the program through airline check-in or frequent flyer profiles. The mobile boarding pass signals TSA officers that travelers enrolled in facial recognition screening.

CLEAR membership benefits pair seamlessly with mobile boarding passes. CLEAR members scan fingerprints or iris patterns along with mobile boarding passes for verification. The combined technologies create the fastest available airport security experience.

Digital boarding passes store biometric authentication data linked to government identification. This integration speeds identity verification beyond capabilities of traditional paper passes. The technology represents the future of airport security screening systems.

Drawbacks and Concerns About Digital-Only Boarding

Accessibility for Elderly and Non-Tech Users

Seniors aged 65 and older show lower smartphone adoption rates than younger demographics. Approximately 61 percent of seniors own smartphones compared to 96 percent of adults under 50. This technology gap creates barriers for elderly travelers who prefer paper boarding passes.

Limited tech literacy among older travelers causes anxiety about mobile boarding requirements. Many seniors lack confidence using airline apps or digital wallets. Airlines forcing digital-only policies alienate customers who built decades of loyalty traveling with paper passes.

Vision impairments make smartphone screens difficult to read for some elderly passengers. Small fonts and low contrast displays cause problems viewing boarding pass QR codes. Printed passes with larger text accommodate travelers with age-related vision decline.

Airlines eliminating paper boarding pass options face accessibility lawsuits and complaints. Disability rights advocates argue digital-only policies discriminate against travelers who cannot use smartphones. Regulatory agencies review airline policies to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Boarding pass QR codes contain personally identifiable information including names, dates of birth, and passport numbers. Security researchers demonstrated that anyone photographing boarding passes can decode sensitive data. Sharing boarding pass photos on social media exposes travelers to identity theft risks.

Six-digit Passenger Name Record codes on boarding passes unlock additional personal information. Hackers accessing PNR codes retrieve frequent flyer numbers, payment information, and contact details. This security vulnerability affects both digital and paper boarding passes equally.

Digital boarding passes stored in email accounts face hacking risks if email gets compromised. Travelers with weak email passwords expose boarding passes to unauthorized access. Criminals could use stolen boarding passes to change reservations or steal frequent flyer miles.

Smartphone theft at airports provides criminals with immediate access to digital boarding passes. Thieves can board flights using stolen phones before victims report devices missing. This security concern makes device passwords and biometric locks essential protection.

Device Dependency Risks

Single point of failure risk increases when travelers rely exclusively on smartphones for all documents. Phone malfunctions, dead batteries, or water damage eliminate access to boarding passes, identification apps, and payment methods simultaneously. This complete technology dependency creates vulnerability during travel disruptions.

Charging stations at airports spread malware through compromised USB ports. Security experts warn against using public charging stations without power-only adapters. Travelers with dead phone batteries face difficult choices between risking malware infection or losing boarding pass access.

Device incompatibility affects older smartphones unable to run current airline apps. Budget phones with limited storage cannot accommodate multiple airline apps for trips involving different carriers. This technology requirement excludes travelers using inexpensive or outdated devices.

Software updates mid-travel sometimes break airline apps unexpectedly. Travelers discover app crashes after automatic updates download over airport WiFi. These technical failures force panicked sprints to ticket counters for replacement boarding passes.

International Travel Considerations

Visa and Immigration Requirements

Immigration officers in China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries require printed boarding passes for entry and exit stamps. These nations refuse digital boarding passes during passport control processes. Travelers must print passes before departing the United States for these destinations.

Visa verification at check-in counters requires airline staff to review printed return tickets. Digital boarding passes for return flights don’t satisfy this documentation requirement. Passengers need paper proof of onward travel to board initial international flights.

Customs declaration forms reference printed boarding pass information in several countries. Travelers complete landing cards using flight numbers and seat assignments from paper passes. The documentation process proves more difficult with only digital passes.

European Union entry requirements beginning 2026 include additional visa waiver programs. The ETIAS authorization system requires travelers to reference printed boarding passes during application processes. Digital passes don’t provide the same documentation trail for visa applications.

Language Barriers and Communication

Airport staff at international destinations often struggle with digital boarding pass verification. Language barriers compound when explaining mobile passes to non-English speaking gate agents. Printed passes provide universal documentation that transcends language differences.

Translation apps on smartphones fail when phone batteries die or internet access disappears. Travelers cannot communicate with airport staff or display boarding passes simultaneously on one device. This limitation makes printed backup passes invaluable at foreign airports.

International airlines flying into the United States maintain different boarding pass policies than U.S. carriers. Foreign airline procedures confuse American travelers accustomed to mobile boarding. Printed passes eliminate confusion about acceptable documentation at departure airports abroad.

Technical support for airline apps becomes impossible when traveling internationally without data plans. Travelers cannot call airline customer service or chat with support teams to resolve app issues. Paper boarding passes bypass these communication problems entirely. Learning about flight delay and cancellation rights in 2026 helps international travelers understand compensation policies when technical issues cause missed flights.

Codeshare and Partner Airline Complications

Codeshare flights booked through one airline but operated by partners often require separate check-in processes. The booking airline’s app may not generate valid boarding passes for the operating carrier. Passengers must check in again with the operating airline and obtain their boarding passes.

Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam partner airlines use different reservation systems that don’t always share boarding pass information. Digital passes from United don’t work on Lufthansa-operated flights even when booked through United. Travelers need separate boarding passes for each carrier involved in their journey.

International connections through alliance partner hubs require printed documentation for smooth transfers. Gate agents at connecting airports verify onward flights using boarding passes. Digital passes from previous carriers don’t always display properly on partner airline scanning systems.

Award tickets using partner airline miles create boarding pass complications at airports. The booking airline can’t generate boarding passes for partner-operated flights. Travelers must visit the operating carrier’s check-in counter for proper boarding passes.

Best Practices for Digital Boarding Pass Users

Preparing Your Phone for Travel

Charge phones to 100 percent before leaving for airports. Full battery provides a buffer against unexpected delays extending travel time. Carry portable battery packs capable of fully recharging smartphones twice.

Update airline apps several days before travel dates. Software updates require large downloads and app restarts. Updating at home on reliable WiFi prevents issues discovering outdated apps at airports.

Clear unnecessary files and apps to ensure sufficient storage space. Airline apps grow larger with each update and need room for cached boarding pass data. Free up at least 1GB of storage before trips to prevent app installation failures.

Download offline copies of boarding passes while connected to home WiFi. Enable airplane mode and verify passes remain accessible without the internet. This test confirms successful offline caching before risking problems at airports.

Test face recognition and fingerprint unlocking in various lighting conditions. Dim airport terminals and bright sunlight affect biometric authentication differently. Practice unlocking phones quickly to avoid delays at security checkpoints.

Creating Reliable Backup Systems

Email boarding passes to personal accounts immediately after check-in. Send copies to spouse or travel companions who can forward passes if needed. This redundancy provides access through alternative devices when primary phones fail.

Screenshot boarding passes and save images in multiple locations. Store copies in cloud photo services, messaging apps, and note-taking applications. Multiple backup locations ensure access even if one service fails.

Print physical boarding pass copies at home before leaving for airports. Keep printed backups in carry-on bags separate from phones and wallets. This old-school approach provides ultimate insurance against technology failures.

Share boarding pass information with trusted family members remaining at home. Parents or adult children can access your airline account to retrieve passes if necessary. Emergency contacts help from remote locations when technical problems arise during travel.

Troubleshooting Common Mobile Issues

Restart airline apps when boarding passes fail to display properly. Close apps completely and relaunch to clear temporary glitches. This simple solution resolves most minor app problems at airports.

Toggle airplane mode off and on to reset network connections. Connectivity issues often resolve after cycling airplane mode. This quick fix takes seconds and solves many boarding pass loading failures.

Increase screen brightness to maximum levels at security checkpoints and boarding gates. Scanner technology struggles reading QR codes on dim screens. This easy adjustment prevents most scanning failures.

Request printed boarding passes from customer service agents when digital options fail. Airlines provide backup paper passes at no charge during technology failures. Gate agents understand technical problems and quickly reissue passes.

Visit self-service kiosks to print emergency boarding passes if customer service lines are long. Kiosks provide faster service for travelers with app issues. Input confirmation codes to retrieve and print passes without agent assistance.

Expert Recommendations for 2026 Travel

Travel experts recommend maintaining digital-first strategies with analog backups. Use mobile boarding passes as primary documentation while carrying printed copies for emergencies. This hybrid approach combines modern convenience with traditional reliability.

Invest in quality portable battery packs rated for at least two full phone charges. Anker and RAVPower models between 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh provide adequate capacity for day-long travel. These accessories eliminate the most common reason travelers lose boarding pass access.

Enroll in airline frequent flyer programs to simplify check-in and boarding pass retrieval. Elite status members access dedicated phone lines and expedited service when technology fails. Loyalty programs make problem resolution faster when minutes count before boarding. For more information on maximizing your rewards, check out our guide to premium travel credit card fees and benefits.

Purchase travel insurance covering missed flights due to technology failures. Some policies reimburse rebooking fees when dead phones or app malfunctions cause missed departures. This protection costs $25 to $50 per trip but provides peace of mind for digital-dependent travelers.

Conclusion

Digital boarding passes dominate air travel in 2026 with approximately 85 percent of passengers using mobile options. Major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines fully support digital boarding through mobile apps and digital wallet integration. The shift toward paperless boarding continues accelerating as airlines reduce costs and embrace contactless travel experiences.

However, printed boarding passes remain necessary for certain situations. International travelers visiting countries with strict documentation requirements should carry paper passes. Passengers flying on codeshare flights or connecting through small regional airports benefit from printed backups. Technology failures including dead batteries, app malfunctions, and network outages create scenarios where paper passes provide essential redundancy.

Airlines will likely continue pushing toward fully digital operations, but complete elimination of printed boarding passes remains years away. Accessibility concerns for elderly travelers, international documentation requirements, and technology reliability issues prevent immediate universal digital adoption. Travelers who prepare for both digital and printed scenarios navigate airports most successfully in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a screenshot of my mobile boarding pass?

Yes, screenshots of mobile boarding passes work at most airports for TSA security and gate boarding. The screenshot must clearly display the QR code and all flight information. Gate agents scan screenshots the same as boarding passes displayed in airline apps. However, screenshots won’t receive real-time updates about gate changes or delays. You’ll need to monitor airport displays or check the airline app for flight status changes. Some airlines recommend against screenshots because the passes won’t update automatically, but they remain functional for scanning purposes.

What happens if my phone dies at the airport?

If your phone dies at the airport, visit the airline’s customer service desk or self-service kiosk to obtain a printed boarding pass. Airlines provide complimentary printed passes during technology failures at no charge for major U.S. carriers. You’ll need to provide your confirmation code, photo ID, or credit card used for booking to retrieve your reservation. Most airports have charging stations where you can power up your phone if time permits. Carrying a portable battery pack prevents this situation by ensuring your phone stays charged throughout travel.

Do all airports accept mobile boarding passes?

Most major airports worldwide accept mobile boarding passes as of 2026, but some smaller regional airports lack updated scanning equipment. Before traveling through small or rural airports, verify mobile boarding pass acceptance on the airline’s website or by calling ahead. International airports in developing countries sometimes require printed passes due to older infrastructure. The airline’s airport information pages list which locations accept digital boarding passes. When in doubt, print a backup pass before leaving for the airport to avoid complications.

Can I share my mobile boarding pass with family members?

Yes, you can share mobile boarding passes with family members traveling with you through several methods. Email the boarding pass PDF to family members or use your phone’s share function to send pass images via text message. Parents commonly store multiple family member boarding passes in one smartphone using airline apps. However, each person must present their own boarding pass at TSA security checkpoints. Gate agents sometimes accept one device displaying multiple passes for families boarding together, though policies vary by airline and airport.

Are mobile boarding passes required for international flights?

Mobile boarding passes are generally accepted for international flights departing from and arriving at major airports, but requirements vary by destination country. Some nations require printed boarding passes for immigration and customs processes. Countries with strict visa requirements often mandate paper documentation showing return flights. Check your destination country’s entry requirements and your airline’s specific policies for international routes. Many travelers print boarding passes for international trips as backup regardless of digital acceptance to avoid complications at foreign airports.

What if the mobile boarding pass QR code won’t scan?

If your mobile boarding pass QR code won’t scan, first increase your phone’s screen brightness to maximum and hold it steady six inches from the scanner. Clean your screen to remove smudges that might interfere with scanning. If scanning still fails, show your pass to the gate agent who can manually enter your confirmation code or seat number to verify your reservation. Airlines can reissue boarding passes or print paper copies at no charge when technical scanning issues occur. This common problem typically resolves quickly with agent assistance.

Do I need to print boarding passes for connecting flights?

Digital boarding passes work for most domestic connecting flights on the same airline. Airlines issue boarding passes for all flight segments during initial check-in through their mobile apps. However, international connections or connections involving different airlines often require separate check-in processes and new boarding passes. Verify that you have boarding passes for all flight segments before leaving your originating airport. Some connecting airports lack facilities to print passes if you discover them missing, especially during tight connection times.

Can I add multiple boarding passes to Apple Wallet?

Yes, Apple Wallet supports multiple boarding passes simultaneously for different flights. Add each boarding pass individually by tapping “Add to Apple Wallet” from airline app boarding passes or email links. The wallet displays passes chronologically with your next departure appearing first. You can store boarding passes for outbound flights, return flights, and connecting segments all together. The passes organize automatically by departure time and remain accessible even after flights complete until you manually delete them from your wallet.

Are mobile boarding passes secure from hackers?

Mobile boarding passes contain personally identifiable information that hackers can access if they obtain your phone or intercept airline emails. Never share boarding pass photos on social media as QR codes encode passport numbers, birth dates, and Passenger Name Record codes. Enable strong device passwords and biometric locks to protect boarding passes stored on your phone. Delete old boarding passes from digital wallets and email after completing flights. While mobile passes offer similar security to printed passes, digital storage creates additional hacking vectors that travelers should protect against through basic cybersecurity practices.

What should I do if I accidentally delete my mobile boarding pass?

If you accidentally delete your mobile boarding pass, simply check in again through the airline’s mobile app or website to retrieve a new copy. Your reservation remains in the airline’s system even after deleting the boarding pass from your device. Access your booking using your confirmation code or frequent flyer number. The app will display your existing boarding pass with the same seat assignment and flight information. You can also visit airport kiosks or customer service desks where agents can reprint your boarding pass using your confirmation code or ID.

Will mobile boarding passes work on smartwatches?

Yes, mobile boarding passes work on Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and other smartwatches paired with smartphones. Add boarding passes to your phone’s digital wallet and they automatically sync to paired smartwatches. The watch displays QR codes that TSA agents and gate staff can scan just like phone screens. Smartwatch boarding passes offer extra convenience when your hands are full with bags or children. However, carry your phone as backup since smartwatch batteries drain quickly and some older scanners don’t read watch displays as reliably as phone screens.

Do I get charged if I need a printed boarding pass at the airport?

Charging policies vary significantly by airline. Major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines provide complimentary printed boarding passes at kiosks and customer service desks at no charge. Budget carriers like Ryanair charge up to €55 ($60) if you arrive without a mobile boarding pass and need printing services. Spirit Airlines charges $10 at airport kiosks for printed passes. Frontier Airlines charges $2 to $5 for kiosk printing. Always check your specific airline’s policies before traveling to understand potential fees for printed boarding passes.

Monitor airline policy changes before each trip through carrier websites and travel blogs. Airlines update boarding pass requirements regularly as technology evolves. Staying informed prevents surprises at airports when policies change. For the latest updates on airline policies and travel tips, visit our comprehensive travel blog regularly.