Downloading your plane ticket these days is easier than ever thanks to technology. With most airlines now offering digital boarding passes and online check-in, you can access your ticket right from your smartphone or other device without needing a paper copy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading your plane ticket so you’re ready for travel.
Check if your airline offers digital boarding passes
The first step is to check with your airline to see if they offer digital boarding passes that can be accessed on your mobile device or laptop. Most major airlines today provide this option, including:
- Delta
- United
- American
- Southwest
- Alaska Airlines
- JetBlue
- Spirit
- Frontier
- Allegiant
If you’re flying with a small regional airline, there’s a chance they may not offer digital passes yet. Check their website or call their customer service line to find out their policy.
Link your booking to your frequent flyer account
If you have a frequent flyer account with the airline, make sure to link your booking to your account number. This will allow you access to your digital boarding pass.
Go to the airline’s website and look for your reservation. Enter your confirmation code or other booking details. Then link your frequent flyer number to the reservation.
Download the airline’s mobile app
Most major airlines have mobile apps you can download to your smartphone. Downloading the airline’s app provides the easiest way to access your digital boarding pass.
Search for your airline’s name such as “Delta” or “United” in the App Store on iOS or Google Play Store on Android. Download the official app for your airline and register an account if required.
Access your boarding pass through online check-in
You can access your boarding pass by checking-in online through your airline’s website or mobile app. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
Here are the steps for online check-in:
- Go to your airline’s website or open their app.
- Select “Check In” or “Manage Booking”.
- Enter your booking reference and passenger details.
- Choose your seat assignment if offered.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Your mobile boarding pass will display on the screen.
Be sure to complete online check-in as early as possible, because you may not be able to access your boarding pass within 2 hours of your scheduled departure time.
Save your pass to your digital wallet
Once you’ve accessed your boarding pass, you’ll have the option to save it to your digital wallet on your phone. This allows you to easily access it later without needing to open the airline app.
On iPhone, you can save to your Apple Wallet. On Android, save it to Google Pay. Your boarding pass will then appear like any other pass in your digital wallet for quick access.
Screenshot your boarding pass
Some airlines allow screenshots of your boarding pass, while others prohibit them due to security reasons. Check your airline’s policy to confirm.
If permitted, you can take a screenshot of your pass after online check-in and save it to your phone’s photos. This gives you another way to access it without Wi-Fi or data service.
Print a paper back-up
While most airlines now offer digital passes as the norm, you may want a paper back-up just in case.
Look for the print option after checking in online. You can print your boarding pass at home and bring it along. Only do this if permitted by your airline.
Access your pass at the airport
If you didn’t download your boarding pass before arriving at the airport, you can still access it there.
Go to an airport kiosk once you arrive at the terminal. Enter your booking details and print your boarding pass.
Alternatively, head to your airline’s check-in desk and provide your confirmation code. They can print your pass for you. Give yourself enough time to do this before your scheduled boarding time.
Use a mobile boarding pass at security
When you reach airport security, open your digital boarding pass on your phone and show it to the TSA agent along with your photo ID.
Your mobile pass includes a scannable barcode that the agent will scan with their device to verify your information and travel details.
Boarding the plane
Right before stepping on the plane, open your digital pass again and hold your phone screen facing outward. The gate agent will scan your barcode and you’ll be cleared to board.
If using a paper pass, have it ready in hand along with your ID. The agent will visually inspect it and let you proceed onboard.
Troubleshooting issues
Despite how convenient digital boarding passes are, you may encounter issues from time to time. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Can’t access boarding pass
If you can’t pull up your boarding pass online or in the app, first make sure you completed online check-in properly. If you did, there may be a technical issue. Contact your airline to have them resend your boarding pass or verify your check-in status.
Pass not loading
Slow internet connections can disrupt boarding passes from loading. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to Wi-Fi or toggle airplane mode on and off. Closing and reopening the app can also help. As a last resort, have your pass reprinted at the airport.
Barcode won’t scan
If a TSA or gate agent can’t scan your barcode, try closing the app and opening it again. Make sure brightness on your phone is sufficiently high. The agent may need to enter your details manually if it continues not scanning.
Phone dies
Never let your phone’s battery die if you have a digital boarding pass! Always charge sufficiently and bring a backup charger. If your phone does die, inform an agent you have a digital pass and provide your flight details for verification.
Key takeaways
Here are some key tips for successfully downloading and using your digital plane ticket:
- Check online check-in as early as possible – 24 hours before departure.
- Save your pass to your phone’s digital wallet for easy access.
- Screenshot or print a back-up in case of technology issues.
- Bring a charger so your phone doesn’t run out of battery.
- Arrive at airport early in case you need to reprint your pass.
- Know your airline’s policies on digital passes and screenshots.
- Troubleshoot any access issues proactively with your airline.
Following these best practices will make retrieving and using your digital boarding pass a breeze. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to check a bag?
If you need to check bags, you’ll still need to go to the check-in counter at the airport even with a digital boarding pass. Print your luggage tags at an airport kiosk or get them from the check-in agent.
Can I use a digital pass if I have a connecting flight?
Yes, digital passes still work for connecting flights. You’ll access a separate pass for each leg of your trip during online check-in. Make sure both passes are accessible before you set off on your journey.
What if I booked through a third party site?
If you booked through an online travel agency like Expedia instead of directly with the airline, you may have to take additional steps to access your boarding pass. Contact the travel agency for instructions on linking your reservation and completing check-in.
Can I use a digital boarding pass internationally?
Digital passes are valid for international flights as well as domestic. However, some countries may still require paper documentation for entry. Always check your destination country’s entry requirements beforehand.
What if I need to change my flight?
If you need to make any changes to your reservation after downloading your boarding pass, such as changing your flight time, you’ll need to access a new updated pass reflecting the changes. Contact your airline to have them reissue an updated digital pass.
Conclusion
Accessing your flight boarding pass digitally is the most convenient option for today’s travelers. By following your airline’s mobile app and online check-in procedures, you can have your pass ready to go on your smartphone in just a few taps. Understanding potential issues and troubleshooting solutions will help ensure smooth sailing through the airport. With your digital pass in hand, you can breeze through to your gate and onboard your flight with minimal hassle. The paperless boarding pass process allows you to check one more thing off your travel preparation list. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your upcoming trip!
| Airline | Mobile App | Digital Boarding Pass? |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Fly Delta App | Yes |
| United | United Airlines App | Yes |
| American | American Airlines App | Yes |
| Southwest | Southwest Airlines App | Yes |
| JetBlue | JetBlue App | Yes |
| Spirit | Spirit Airlines App | Yes |
| Platform | Digital Wallet |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Apple Wallet |
| Android Phone | Google Pay |
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t access boarding pass | Contact airline to resend |
| Pass won’t load | Retry Wi-Fi or data connection |
| Barcode won’t scan | Reopen app or brightness up |
| Phone battery dies | Notify agent, provide flight details |
