What is a Boarding Pass? All you need to know

Almosafer
1 day ago
4 min read

In this guide, we’ve covered what a boarding pass is, what information it contains, how to get one, and why it’s crucial. Every traveller, especially those flying from Saudi Arabia or other Arab countries, should understand its importance and treat it with care.

What is the difference between a boarding pass and a flight ticket? When do you receive it? Can you be refused boarding because of it?

What is a Boarding Pass?

A boarding pass is an official document provided by the airline after the passenger completes check-in. It is a travel permit that allows the passenger to board the flight and sit in the reserved seat.

The pass contains important flight details like seat number, flight number, name of the passenger, boarding time, and gate of departure.

Check out: How to book a flight ticket online

A boarding pass includes essential information every passenger needs:

Full Name – Exactly as it is on your passport or national ID.
Flight Number – A code that specifies the airline and the specific flight.
Seat Number – Indicates your allocated seat on the plane.
Flight Date and Time – Confirms when the flight is going to depart.
Gate Number – The gate you should make your way to before boarding.
QR Code or Barcode – For electronic scanning at checkpoints.

Boarding Pass Types

Two major types of boarding passes, varying by issue and use:

Paper Boarding Pass – It is printed in an airport, either at the check-in desk of the airline or through self-service terminals. Preferred by some passengers, particularly senior passengers or those who do not use mobile apps.
Electronic Boarding Pass – You will get it on your phone once you have completed online check-in, either on the airline's website or via their mobile application. You may simply use it straight from your phone without even printing it.

Both convey the same information and are accepted at the airport gates. But electronic boarding passes are faster and have less physical contact, so this is a convenience factor.

How to Get a Boarding Pass

You can take your boarding pass in either of these two ways:

1. Online (Pre-Airport Arrival)

Visit the airline's official website or mobile application.
Click "Check-in".
Enter your reference number or your ticket number with any other required information.
Choose your seat (if available).
Confirm information.
Obtain your electronic boarding pass, which will be stored in your phone or printed.

Note: Web check-in is typically available 24 to 48 hours before departure, and it is advisable to do it beforehand.

2. At the Airport

Go to the airline's check-in counter and present your travel documents.

Alternatively, utilise an automated self-service machine by entering your booking details and following the prompts to print out your boarding pass immediately.

Why Is the Boarding Pass Important?

A boarding pass is more than a piece of paper, as it's essential for a smooth travel experience. You'll use it to:

Confirm your place on the flight.
Clear security checkpoints.
Identify the correct departure gate.
Get access to your reserved seat on board.

Losing your boarding pass can cause delays or prevent you from getting on your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boarding Pass

Can I board the plane without a boarding pass?

No. You must have a boarding pass, either paper or electronic, to board the flight.

How do airline flight tickets and airline boarding passes differ from each other?

The airline flight ticket is proof of payment and confirmation to book your travel, whereas an airline boarding pass is entry to the actual flight plane and allocates your seat positioning.

What should you do in case of loss of a boarding pass?

You can reprint it at the airline counter or print it again from the airline app or email.

Will a digital pass do, or should I print one?

A digital pass is all you need in most airports in Saudi Arabia. But a printed copy as a backup is always a plus.

Traveller Tips

Check all information before saving or printing your boarding pass.
Have a physical and electronic copy in case of any last-minute problems.
Do not upload images of your boarding pass to social media as it has your personal information.
Confirm your gate assignment upon arriving at the airport, as it can be updated.
Make use of the airline's app to keep up-to-date with any changes or alerts.
Get to the gate sufficiently early to prevent delays or closure of the gate.