Mobile Boarding Pass Guide

Fly paperless with mobile boarding passes on your smartphone.

Understanding Mobile Boarding Passes

Mobile boarding passes can reduce paper handling by storing your boarding pass on your phone. They work best when downloaded before you reach the airport and backed up with a screenshot or printed option when needed.

Many major airlines offer mobile boarding passes through official apps or mobile websites. Available alerts and trip features depend on the airline, airport, route and app settings.

How to Set Up Mobile Boarding Pass

Step 1

Download Airline App

Install your airline's official app from App Store or Google Play

Time: 2-3 minutes
Step 2

Create Account

Sign up or log in with your frequent flyer account

Time: 1-2 minutes
Step 3

Check In Online

Use the app to check in and select your seat

Time: 2-3 minutes
Step 4

Save to Wallet

Add boarding pass to Apple Wallet or Google Pay

Time: 30 seconds

Benefits of Mobile Boarding Passes

Offline Access

Offline access

Access your boarding pass even without internet connection

Trip Alerts

Available alerts

Receive available notifications about gate changes and delays

Eco-Friendly

Sustainable travel

Reduce paper waste and environmental impact

Convenient

All-in-one

Key trip details in one place on your phone

Airline Mobile Apps

AirlineApp NameKey FeaturesRating
American AirlinesAmerican AirlinesMobile boarding pass, Flight status, Seat selection⭐ 4.5
Delta Air LinesFly DeltaMobile boarding pass, Flight tracking, Upgrade requests⭐ 4.6
United AirlinesUnited AirlinesMobile boarding pass, Trip alerts, Baggage tracking⭐ 4.4
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesMobile boarding pass, Rapid Rewards, Flight rebooking⭐ 4.7
JetBlue AirwaysJetBlueMobile boarding pass, In-flight entertainment, Seat maps⭐ 4.5
Alaska AirlinesAlaska AirlinesMobile boarding pass, Mileage Plan, Flight notifications⭐ 4.6

Practical Tips for Mobile Boarding Passes

Charge Your Phone

Ensure your phone is fully charged before traveling - you'll need it for boarding.

Enable Notifications

Turn on push notifications so the airline can send available flight alerts.

Take Screenshots

Screenshot your boarding pass as backup in case the app has issues.

Don't Rely on WiFi

Download your boarding pass before leaving home - airport WiFi can be unreliable.

Check Screen Brightness

Ensure your screen is bright enough for scanners to read the QR code.

Have Backup Plan

Know where to get a paper boarding pass if your phone fails or dies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all airlines accept mobile boarding passes?

Many airlines accept mobile boarding passes, but acceptance can depend on the airport, route and document-check requirements. Keep a paper or offline backup if your trip involves international travel, smaller airports or a carrier you have not used before.

What if my phone dies or breaks?

You can get a paper boarding pass at the check-in counter or kiosk. Some airlines also allow you to print boarding passes at home as backup.

Can I use mobile boarding passes for international flights?

Yes, mobile boarding passes work for international flights, but you may need to show your passport at the gate for verification.

How do I add my boarding pass to Apple Wallet or Google Pay?

Most airline apps have an "Add to Wallet" button. You can also save the boarding pass image to your phone's wallet app manually.