What is a Boarding Pass and How to Get One?

All set to leave for the airport? But did you check your boarding pass? Make sure you do not forget it, as it is an integral document required at the airport. Most people, caught up in the chaos of packing their luggage and reaching the airport on time, forget this essential document.

It is really common. But this does not mean the document is of lesser value. In fact, this piece of paper holds great value. Plus, whether you can board the plane depends on whether you are carrying your boarding card. In simple words, the airport can deny your entry at the boarding gate if you do not have a boarding pass.

As a result, you will miss your flight. Do not take this document for granted. You can either take a hard copy of your boarding document or download it on your mobile device and show it to the TSA when needed. So if you want to board your plane, make sure you have crossed this point from your checklist.

Want to know more about a boarding document? What information does a boarding document contain? How to get boarding passes? Relax! We have answered all these questions for you. The blog is all about boarding cards. Learn the necessary details about the boarding document and how to obtain one. Let’s get started!

What is a Boarding Pass?

A boarding pass is a document that authorizes a passenger to board a plane. Here’s what the document means:

• An authorization document required of every passenger to pass through airport security checkpoints and board their flight is called a boarding document.
• It is usually issued by the airline once tha passenger completes the check-in process.
• Check-in can be done online via the website or mobile app, or at the airport kiosk.
• This document verifies the passenger’s identity and states that the passenger has been assigned a seat on the flight.
• The document contains the passenger’s credentials that they present at the airport and airline before boarding the aircraft.
• If the passenger has a connecting flight to catch, they must issue a separate boarding card as each flight segment requires a separate ticket and boarding document.
• A boarding card is also required when the flight makes a technical stop, even if the plane is the same.

What Information is Available on a Boarding Pass?

A boarding document contains all the necessary information. The layout of a boarding card may vary from airline to airline. However, the contents on the card are pretty much the same. The following is the information available on a boarding document:

• The passenger's full name as mentioned on their government-issued ID proof with a photo.
• A unique alphanumeric code for the passenger’s flight.
• 3-letter airport codes of the departure and arrival airports.
• The airport terminal and gate number from where the passenger will board the plane.
• The time at which the passenger should arrive at the boarding gate before the boarding starts. Usually, the time is 30 to 60 minutes before the flight’s departure time.
• The scheduled departure time of the flight is the time at which the flight will leave the boarding gate.
• The seat number assigned to the passenger for the plane.
• Boarding group or zone, as the airline allows passengers to board the aircraft in groups to keep things organized. The group number helps the passenger evaluate when it will be their turn to board the aircraft.
• A QR code or barcode containing the flight details, which the airline representative scans at the boarding gate to help passengers board the aircraft.

How to Get Boarding Pass?

Generating a boarding card is very easy. A traveler can receive a boarding card once the check-in process is done. Airlines offer different options to collect the boarding document.

Here’s how to get boarding pass:

Online Check In

Online check-in is the most convenient way to check in and collect your boarding card. You can access your boarding document from home and save a significant amount of time. The steps for online check-in are:

1. Browse the airline’s website.
2. Go to bookings.
3. Enter your full name and PNR.
4. Confirm your personal details.
5. A virtual boarding document will appear on the screen.
6. Take a screenshot, download the document, or print if you want.

Download via Ailrine’s Mobile App

Many airlines have launched their separate mobile apps to ease flight booking and other processes. Online check-in is yet another option passengers can use to download their boarding documents via the airline’s mobile app. It’s fast and paperless. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Access the airline’s mobile app.
2. Enter your name and travel details.
3. A QR code will appear on your mobile device.
4. Show the QR to the airline representative at the boarding gate.
5. The representative will use your necessary information and let you board the plane.

Check in at the Airport Kiosk

If you are not sure how to obtain a boarding document online, you can use the airport kiosk to collect your boarding card. However, this may take time, depending on the queue at the checked bag counter. Make sure to arrive at the airport on time so you have plenty of time to complete check-in and print your boarding card. Here’s how to do it:

1. Arrive at the airport early.
2. Go to the airport kiosk and wait for your turn.
3. Scan your passport or enter your flight confirmation number.
4. Your self-check-in is done.