In today’s digital age, paper tickets are becoming a thing of the past. From concerts and sporting events to flights and train rides, more and more tickets are now digital. This allows for greater convenience, as you no longer have to worry about losing a paper ticket or leaving it at home. But in order to reap the benefits of digital tickets, you first need to know how to add them to your digital wallet.
What is a digital wallet?
A digital wallet is an app that allows you to store your tickets, payment information, and other items electronically. Digital wallets can be installed on your smartphone, tablet, or even your computer. Some popular digital wallet options include:
- Apple Wallet (for iPhone users)
- Google Pay (for Android users)
- Samsung Pay
- Microsoft Wallet
- Venmo
- PayPal
The main benefit of using a digital wallet is convenience. Rather than fumbling for paper tickets, you can quickly access everything right from your device. Digital wallets also allow you to store payment methods for quick online and in-store checkout. And if you ever lose your device, you can easily log into your digital wallet from another device and still access all your info.
How to add tickets to your digital wallet
The process for adding tickets to your digital wallet will vary slightly depending on which app you use. But the general steps are quite similar:
- Purchase or transfer the ticket. Before you can add an event or transit ticket to your digital wallet, you first need to either purchase it or have it transferred to you electronically. Many ticketing websites and apps now give you the option to purchase digital tickets.
- Look for the “Add to Apple Wallet” or “Add to Google Pay” button. When purchasing tickets online, you will usually see this option during checkout. Simply click it to automatically add the tickets to your digital wallet.
- Follow the prompts to add the tickets. The wallet app may ask you to sign in or verify your account. Follow the steps to successfully add the tickets to your wallet.
- You may need to download a third-party app. For some venues or transit systems, you may be instructed to download the organization’s own app in order to access tickets. You will then link this app to your digital wallet.
- Save the ticket barcode or QR code image. For tickets that can’t directly integrate with a digital wallet, you may need to save a screenshot of the barcode or QR code to your photo gallery. You can then access this image from your wallet app.
Once the ticket has been successfully added, you will see it appear right in your digital wallet app alongside your payment cards. On iPhone, for example, your tickets will now be visible in the Apple Wallet app for quick access. Depending on the type of ticket, you may be able to tap to pull up more details like seat assignment or departure time. The barcode or QR code will also be visible on the screen for easy scanning at the venue or transit gate.
Different kinds of tickets you can add
These days, a wide variety of different tickets can be stored in digital wallets. Here are some of the common digital tickets you may want to add:
Event tickets
Any tickets for concerts, plays, sporting events, festivals, and other live events can potentially go into a digital wallet. Apps like Ticketmaster and AXS allow you to purchase e-tickets or transfer tickets you already bought. To be sure an event has digital ticket options, check when purchasing tickets online or look for notices when buying paper tickets in person.
Flight tickets
Almost all airlines now offer digital boarding passes that can be added to your wallet. These provide convenience at the airport as you simply scan your phone at security and when boarding, with no need for a paper ticket or printed pass. Boarding passes are typically added automatically when you check in for your flight either online or in the airline’s app up to 24 hours before departure.
Train/subway tickets
Major metropolitan transit systems like the MTA in New York and BART in San Francisco allow you to purchase digital tickets or transit passes. These are scanned when you enter the station or platform. Similarly, Amtrak e-tickets can be added to your wallet for travel around the US. Regional rail networks may also have their own apps to connect with your digital wallet.
Movie/theater tickets
Paperless tickets are becoming more common at movie theaters as well. When purchasing tickets online via apps like Fandango, you will likely have the option for e-tickets. Independent movie theaters and live performance venues in your area may also let you buy and store digital tickets.
Hotel room keys
Many large hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott now give you the option to add your room key to your digital wallet at check-in. You can then simply tap your phone on your door lock to enter your room. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs may also offer digital room access through third-party apps.
Benefits of storing tickets in your digital wallet
Why should you go through the steps to add tickets to your mobile wallet? There are numerous benefits to keeping tickets in digital form.
Convenience
The #1 benefit is the sheer convenience of having tickets stored electronically. You don’t have to print anything out or worry about misplacing paper tickets. Everything is right there in your smartphone or smartwatch whenever you need it.
Reduced stress
There’s nothing worse than the panic that sets in when you suddenly can’t find your ticket right before an event. Digital tickets eliminate this stress, giving you instant access at any time.
Easy sharing
Need to transfer a ticket to a friend or family member? With digital tickets this can be easily done with just a few taps in your wallet app.
Environmentally friendly
Using digital tickets is much more sustainable than printing reams of paper tickets that often go to waste. You’re eliminating paper use and helping the planet!
Tickets linked to your identity
Digital tickets in your wallet are connected to your personal accounts. This prevents lost or stolen tickets from being used fraudulently by someone else.
Potential challenges
While digital tickets provide many excellent benefits, there are some potential downsides and challenges to keep in mind as well:
Technology/battery issues
If your phone runs out of battery or has tech problems at an inopportune time, you could be left unable to access your tickets when needed.
Venue/network connectivity
Though uncommon, you may run into issues if a venue has problems scanning digital tickets due to poor internet connectivity.
Not all venues offer digital tickets
Whileadoption is growing,some smaller venues may still only offer paper ticket options. You’ll want to check ahead of time if you can purchase mobile tickets.
Privacy concerns
Some may feel uneasy about linking so much personal data to digital accounts that can be tracked. However, reputable companies securely encrypt and protect user data in digital wallets.
Tips for using digital tickets seamlessly
Follow these tips to ensure everything goes smoothly when using the tickets in your digital wallet:
- Make sure your phone is charged enough and remove case if needed. Some ticket scanners can have issues reading barcodes through thicker phone cases.
- Download tickets well before the event starts in case of any downloading/adding issues. Don’t wait until you’re already at the venue.
- Screenshot or print backup barcodes in case of tech problems. Though digital is preferred, staff can usually still scan a screenshot or printout.
- Check ahead of time if the venue/transit system requires a specific app. Download any needed apps beforehand.
- Save important tickets like flights to your wallet’s favorites so they’re always visible on your home screen.
- For extra security, enable wallet PIN codes or fingerprint access on your device.
The future is digital
It’s clear that digital wallets and mobile tickets offer significant advantages in convenience and efficiency over old-fashioned paper tickets. As adoption spreads, we’re likely to see digital ticketing become the default method across transportation, events, attractions, hotels and more. While a few kinks are still being worked out, the process is already seamless in many cases. With more venues coming on board, the future is certainly digital when it comes to keeping your tickets handy.