Window or aisle? Carry-on or checked bag? Arrive three hours early or race to the gate? Air travel comes with a list of polarizing choices, and somewhere on that list sits the ongoing debate: digital boarding pass or printed copy?
While tech-savvy travelers love flashing their phones at airport scanners, there are still some solid reasons to go old school. Printing your boarding pass might seem unnecessary in the age of smartphones, but when you’re halfway through a long-haul connection or standing in a customs line without signal, that slip of paper can be a lifesaver.
Better Safe Than Sorry: Why Paper Still Matters
Seasoned travelers know that air travel is a game of contingencies. Sue Fogwell, a former flight attendant with over 20 years of experience, put it plainly: “I prefer printed boarding passes. It’s simpler and just less stressful.” Her reasoning? Battery life, poor signal at the gate, and malfunctioning scanners are more common than we like to admit.
Even if you’ve already checked in online, having a printed pass as backup is a smart move—especially if your itinerary involves connecting flights. The longer the layover, the more likely your phone will run low on juice. And if you’ve ever been stuck searching for a charger in a crowded terminal, you know that power outlets can be more competitive than the boarding line.
When Crossing Borders, Go with Paper
If your travel plans involve international flights, a printed boarding pass can speed up border control. Customs officers sometimes ask to see it, and handing over a sheet of paper is far easier than unlocking your phone, finding the app, and zooming in on a barcode. In some airports, this small convenience can save you precious time—and maybe even a missed connection.
It’s also worth noting that paper boarding passes tend to display more detailed flight information, such as your ticket number or booking reference (PNR), which can be crucial if there’s a dispute over frequent flyer miles or you need to rebook quickly due to delays.
What About the Downsides?
To get a printed pass, you’ll need to check in at a kiosk or the airline desk, unless you printed it at home. That can mean longer lines, especially if you’re trying to travel light and skip the counter altogether. But if you’re already checking a bag, just ask the agent to print your boarding pass too—it takes seconds and has an added bonus: they can attach your luggage receipt directly to the boarding pass, keeping all your travel info in one place.
Still, digital passes have their perks. If you’re flying short-haul, have no checked baggage, and a fully charged phone, the convenience of a mobile boarding pass is hard to beat. And in many airport lounges, agents can quickly print one for you on request if you change your mind last minute.
The One Thing You Should Always Do (No Matter What)
Whether you go digital or stick with paper, here’s one essential travel tip: take a photo or screenshot of your boarding pass before you get to the airport. That way, if the app crashes or your pass disappears in a sea of tabs, you still have the basics on hand. Just remember—never post your boarding pass on social media. That barcode can be used to access sensitive details about your trip and identity.
Printed or Digital? Choose What Works for You—But Have a Backup
There’s no wrong answer when it comes to boarding pass preferences. Both options get you on the plane. But in a world where phones die, apps crash, and boarding gates sometimes lose Wi-Fi, a printed pass is still the most reliable backup you can carry.
So next time you pack your passport and triple-check your travel-sized liquids, consider adding one more step: print your boarding pass. It might just save your trip.
