Why do you need a boarding pass in aviation: key information for passengers

In our modern information age, when digital technologies are rapidly being introduced into all areas of our lives, including travel, the question of printing boarding passes arises. Until recently, a printed paper pass was an integral part of every plane trip. However, with the development of airline mobile applications and electronic boarding passes, it has become possible to get rid of the paper version in favor of an electronic one. This leads to an important question: is it worth printing boarding passes or not?

In this article, we will consider the main arguments for and against printing boarding passes and analyze which of them can be more convenient, environmentally friendly and effective these days. We will consider the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional approach to printing passes and the opportunities that modern digital options provide.

In addition to simplicity and accessibility, electronic boarding passes can significantly reduce the use of paper resources, which helps to preserve the environment and reduce the negative impact of our activities on the climate. However, it is also worth considering possible problems with the mobile device or its battery during the trip, which can create inconvenience.

However, printed passes provide a physical copy of the flight information, which can be useful in some situations, especially if there are technical problems with electronic devices. In addition, some passengers prefer the traditional method of presenting a boarding pass, feeling more confident and comfortable having a paper copy in hand.

In this article, we will also cover some safety and usability tips for using electronic boarding passes to minimize possible risks and increase the effectiveness of this method. Regardless of each passenger's preference, the goal of the article is to provide objective information that will help readers make an informed decision about whether or not to print boarding passes.

Reasons for the limited use of tickets in aviation

For trains, buses and subways, one ticket is usually enough to get you to your destination. However, in aviation, there is a peculiarity: an airplane ticket allows you to check in, but you need a boarding pass to board. There are several reasons for this, which are worth mentioning:

Frequent flight changes: Flight schedules can change more often than other modes of transport. An electronic ticket usually does not take these changes into account, which leads to a discrepancy with the actual departure time (although an electronic boarding pass may also be out of date in case of delays).

Proof of check-in and compliance: A boarding pass confirms that you have checked in and that your baggage or carry-on baggage complies with the airline's rules. This ensures security and consistency before departure.

Different boarding passes for connecting flights: In the case of connecting flights, one trip may have several boarding passes, especially if you are using different airlines or airports with different security and check-in requirements.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that electronic boarding passes are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Not only are they convenient for passengers, eliminating the need to print paper passes, but they also help reduce paper usage and environmental impact. Modern technologies, such as airline mobile apps, allow passengers to easily obtain and store electronic boarding passes on their mobile devices.

Important Changes in the Use of Boarding Passes in Russia

Since February 24, 2019, significant changes have occurred in the use of boarding passes in Russia. Previously, a mandatory paper boarding pass was required to board a flight in Russia. However, from that date, an order of the Russian Ministry of Transport came into force, which allowed the use of electronic boarding passes.

Now, to board at Russian airports, passengers only need to present an electronic boarding pass on the screen of their phone, tablet or laptop. However, it is worth considering that this practice is only used at airports equipped with special technical means for reading electronic passes.

This significant improvement not only simplified the check-in and boarding procedure for passengers, but also contributed to a decrease in paper consumption in the aviation industry in Russia. In addition, such practices contribute to the development of digital innovations in the field of aviation services.

Contents of the boarding pass and its importance

The boarding pass is a document with information about the planned flight. It contains the following key data:

• Passenger's first and last name
• City and airport of departure and arrival
• Flight number with airline code
• Class of service
• Departure date
• Departure time
• Boarding gate number
• Boarding start time
• Row and seat number on the plane

In addition to the above basic data, the boarding pass may also contain terminal information, specific airline rules and requirements, and a reminder about the ban on smoking on board the aircraft.

The boarding pass also plays an important role in marketing and statistical research for airlines. Analyzing boarding pass data helps airlines optimize check-in and boarding processes, offer more personalized services, and improve passenger satisfaction. In addition, the collected data can be used to analyze passenger traffic and popular destinations, which is important for route planning and flight schedules.

Boarding Pass: Importance and Use

A boarding pass is an integral part of the air travel process, and its importance is not limited to the right to board an aircraft. Let's look at several situations where a boarding pass plays a key role:

• To pass through security: To pass through security and passport control, you must have your passport and boarding pass.
• To confirm check-in: In some cases, in addition to your passport, you may be asked to show your boarding pass to confirm check-in for your flight.
• To file a claim: If your baggage has been lost by the airline, your boarding pass may be required as documentary evidence of your flight when filing a claim.
• To report on a business trip: Your boarding pass can serve as a document confirming your business trip expenses.
• To shop in Duty Free: In some countries, duty-free shops are required to record the movement of goods and may require you to show your boarding pass.

It is important to remember that the boarding pass should be kept until the end of the flight and, if possible, until the end of the trip. It can be useful in various situations related to your air travel and will help to avoid possible misunderstandings and complications.

Determining whether you need an electronic or paper boarding pass

Avoiding unnecessary hassle and misunderstandings before departure is not an easy task, because the rules for using electronic and paper boarding passes vary depending on the country of departure, airline, and the level of technological readiness of airports. Despite individual characteristics, let's figure out how to determine which type of pass is right for your flight.

To stay up to date with the rules, you should carefully read the information provided by the airline in the rules of use and in the notice with the boarding pass. This document will necessarily indicate whether you need to print the pass or whether it can be used electronically. However, it should be taken into account that the information in the rules may be out of date, and finding up-to-date data can be a difficult task.

The most reliable way to find out the rules specifically for your flight is to contact the airline's support service by email or phone. Experts will help you understand the situation, provide accurate information, and answer all your questions. If you don't want to bother with the rules, it's safest to print out your boarding pass in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.

How to use a paper boarding pass correctly

The best option is to print the pass at home or in the office on a regular black and white printer. In this case, you can avoid additional costs charged by airports for printing documents. Believe me, these fees can be significant: sometimes for a regular A4 paper, the amounts charged make you think about the advisability of using this option.

It is important to monitor the print quality: the barcode and QR code must be clearly visible on the printout, otherwise the document may not pass the scanners at checkpoints. In addition, there are limitations on recognizing hand-printed documents, so it is better to print the pass in machine-readable form.

If you have any difficulties printing at home or at work, you can always contact the airline staff at the check-in counter at the airport. Even if you have already checked in online, they will help you with printing the pass. Some airports also provide kiosks for automatic check-in and printing of boarding passes, which greatly simplifies the procedure for obtaining a pass. After receiving a paper ticket, you should carefully store it and present it at checkpoints upon request of employees.

Electronic boarding pass: instructions for use

To use an electronic boarding pass, you must first download it to your mobile device - phone, tablet or laptop. Make sure that the device is sufficiently charged and the pass is available even without an internet connection. This will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Before presenting the screen with the pass at checkpoints, be sure to make sure that the barcode or QR code on the screen is clearly visible. In some cases, to improve the readability of the code, it is worth increasing its size and turning on the maximum screen brightness.

If you are traveling with a group, it is convenient to have boarding passes on different devices. This will speed up the process of passing security and facilitate communication with airport staff. It is also worth checking with the airline and the airport about possible restrictions on presenting multiple passes on one device.

Lost boarding pass or problems using it

If you have discovered that your boarding pass has been lost and you realize it before entering the pre-flight area, you must immediately go to the check-in counter to get a new one. This procedure is also relevant if you have time before boarding, and it is at least half an hour. In such cases, you may have to go through pre-flight inspection again, but you will receive a new pass and will be able to successfully continue your flight.

If there is very little time left and you do not have time to get a new pass at the check-in counter, contact the flight attendants who are boarding you. They usually have spare boarding pass forms and will help you fill them out by hand. However, you must provide the document on which the ticket was issued - this can be a passport or a foreign passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it possible to travel with an electronic boarding pass?

👉 Yes, many airlines offer the option to use electronic boarding passes. However, before departure, you should check the rules of the specific airline to make sure that this type of pass can be used for your flight.

❓ Where is the best place to print paper passes?

👉 It is ideal to print the pass at home or at work on a regular black and white printer. This will help to avoid additional printing costs at the airport.

❓ What are the benefits of electronic boarding passes?

👉 Electronic passes are more environmentally friendly, allow you to avoid unnecessary paper costs, and often provide quick access to your flight information via mobile devices.