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In the digital age, it may seem unnecessary to print boarding passes when you can access them instantly on your phone. However, savvy travelers know that carrying a paper copy can save you from potential headaches during your journey. While mobile boarding passes are certainly convenient, here are 10 solid reasons why it’s still a good idea to print your boarding pass.
Phone Battery Could Die
One of the most common issues travelers face is their phone running out of battery at the worst possible moment. Whether you’re waiting in line for security or catching up on emails while waiting for your flight, a dying phone battery could leave you scrambling for your boarding pass when you need it the most. It can be incredibly stressful trying to find a charging spot in an airport that’s packed with people. Having a printed version ensures you won’t be left high and dry if your phone dies. It’s a small precaution that could make all the difference during your travels.
Lost Service or Wi-Fi
When traveling internationally or through crowded airports, service or Wi-Fi can be spotty. If you rely solely on your phone’s mobile boarding pass, you could be left stranded when the signal drops, especially if you’re in an area with limited service or when roaming charges are high. Printed boarding passes bypass the need for any connection, ensuring smooth and hassle-free boarding. Whether you’re in a Wi-Fi dead zone or experiencing roaming issues, having a hard copy will help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Airline App Glitches
While most airline apps work fine, they aren’t immune to technical glitches. Sometimes, your mobile boarding pass might disappear from the app, making it impossible to present at the gate. The last thing you want is to be standing in line, trying to pull up your boarding pass while the app refuses to cooperate. A printed boarding pass eliminates this risk entirely, giving you peace of mind and a reliable backup if things go wrong. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re on a tight schedule.
Physical Backup for Emergencies
Technology can fail at any time, and when it does, a paper copy serves as your backup plan. Phones can freeze, apps can crash, and batteries can drain at the most inconvenient moments. If your phone breaks or stops working, a printed boarding pass ensures you won’t be left scrambling. It’s always better to be over-prepared than caught off guard when it comes to something as important as your boarding pass. A physical copy gives you confidence and ensures you’re not left stranded in case of a technical malfunction.
Printed Pass Includes Ticket Number
A printed boarding pass often contains more detailed information than its mobile counterpart, such as your ticket number, which may be required for certain processes like cancellations, rebooking, or even filing a claim for a refund. Mobile boarding passes typically only show your confirmation number, which may not be enough in some situations. Having a physical copy that includes your full ticket information ensures that you are ready for any issues that might arise during your journey. It’s always helpful to have a complete set of details at your fingertips.
Security Check Requirements
In some countries, airports require you to present a printed boarding pass at security checkpoints. Certain regions, including India and other international destinations, have strict rules about digital tickets, especially when it comes to access to the airport. Some security checkpoints simply don’t accept mobile versions, and you may not have any other option but to show a printed boarding pass. To avoid delays or even denied access, it’s a good idea to have a physical version, even if the digital one is available.
Airport Policies or Regulations
Some airports simply do not allow mobile boarding passes. For example, Marrakesh Airport has specific signs informing passengers that digital boarding passes are not accepted at security, meaning you must present a printed copy to pass through. Additionally, budget airlines like EasyJet have a number of airports where they don’t allow mobile passes, requiring passengers to present printed tickets. In these cases, you’ll be glad you took the extra step to print your boarding pass, avoiding delays and ensuring that you don’t miss your flight.
Immigration or Visa On Arrival Requirements
When traveling internationally, certain countries require a hard copy of your itinerary or boarding pass for immigration or visa-on-arrival processes. While it’s becoming less common, there are still places where an electronic version won’t suffice. Having a physical boarding pass in hand makes the process smoother and faster. For example, the next time you find yourself at an airport with a long immigration queue, a printed copy can save you time and eliminate any unnecessary stress, especially if the immigration officer prefers paper documents.
Faster Boarding Process
Having a printed boarding pass means you won’t need to fiddle with your phone while standing at the gate, which could be slow or malfunctioning. Whether it’s a glitchy app, a frozen screen, or a phone that’s taking forever to load, these issues can delay the boarding process and make you anxious. A printed boarding pass helps you breeze through the gate without having to worry about your phone or app, making the entire boarding experience faster and more efficient.
Easier for Families or Groups
Traveling with children or in a group? A printed boarding pass can be a lifesaver. Instead of struggling to pull up multiple digital passes on your phone for each family member, handing over a paper copy for everyone is much more straightforward. It’s easier to keep track of printed tickets, especially for younger children who don’t have phones, and it saves time during the boarding process. Whether you’re managing a large group or a family with young kids, a paper copy simplifies the process and helps keep everyone organized.