If you are flying soon and preparing all your travel documents, you may be wondering whether you still need to print your boarding pass. As airlines have modernised their systems, the rules around boarding passes have changed. While printed passes were once essential, many travellers now rely on digital versions saved to their phones. So do you actually have to print a boarding pass or can you go fully paperless?
In this article we will explain when you need a printed boarding pass, what your options are and how to avoid problems at the airport.
Paper vs Digital Boarding Passes
Most major airlines now support mobile boarding passes. These are typically available through the airline’s app or sent to your email in PDF format. You can show the barcode on your phone at the security gate and again at boarding. This option is convenient and reduces the need to carry extra documents.
However, not every airport or airline handles digital passes the same way. Some locations or staff may still prefer printed documents in certain cases. For this reason, it is important to check your airline’s guidance and your departure airport’s rules before you travel.
When You Might Need to Print Your Boarding Pass
Some low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or Wizz Air have strict rules about check-in and boarding passes. If you arrive at the airport without having checked in online or without a printed boarding pass when required, you may be charged a fee. These policies are clearly stated during the booking process, but it is easy to overlook them if you are not paying attention.
In some non-EU destinations, airport security or immigration staff may ask for a printed copy of your boarding pass or itinerary. This is particularly true if you do not have access to mobile data or your phone battery dies. A printed copy can be a useful backup even if it is not mandatory.
If you are travelling with children, elderly passengers or those unfamiliar with mobile devices, printing the boarding pass may reduce stress and confusion at the gate.
Using a Mobile Boarding Pass
To use a digital boarding pass, you usually need to download your airline’s app or receive a mobile version by email. You should ensure your phone is fully charged and that the screen brightness is high enough for scanners to read the barcode.
Some airports offer free Wi-Fi so you can access your boarding pass from the cloud or your email if needed. However, this is not always guaranteed so downloading or saving the file in advance is the best option.
If your phone screen is cracked or the display is too dim, the scanner may not be able to read it properly. In these cases, having a printed pass can save time and avoid delays.
Printing at the Airport
If you prefer not to print your boarding pass at home or cannot access a printer, you may be able to print it at the airport. Most airlines have self-service kiosks near the check-in counters where you can enter your booking reference and print your boarding pass.
This option is usually free unless your airline has specific rules about online check-in. It is a useful alternative if you lose access to your phone or need a last-minute copy of your travel documents.
Final Recommendation
While many travellers now fly without printing their boarding pass, it is not always safe to assume that digital will be accepted in every case. If you are flying with a low-cost airline, passing through a strict airport or heading to a destination with limited tech infrastructure, printing your boarding pass is the safer choice.
Final Thoughts
You do not always have to print your boarding pass, but it depends on the airline and the airport. Mobile boarding passes are widely accepted, but carrying a printed copy can provide peace of mind if things go wrong with your phone or the technology fails. When in doubt, check your booking confirmation and the airline’s official travel guidance to avoid extra charges or stress on the day you fly.