How to Get Your Boarding Pass at the Airport

Co-authored by Stef Katz

Last Updated: November 20, 2022

When you’re a first-time flyer, or it’s been a while since you were at an airport, getting your boarding pass at the airport can seem confusing at first. However, as long as you give yourself plenty of time to check in there is no need to stress. Once you locate your airline’s check-in counter, you can either have the staff print your boarding pass or save time by using one of the convenient self check-in kiosks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Checking in at the Airline Check-in Counter

1
Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, 2 hours is plenty of time to check-in and get through security to your gate. For international flights, get to the airport 3 hours ahead of your flight.^{[1]
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- 2-3 hours is a general recommendation and you should check with your airline for specific arrival guidelines.^{[2]
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  Trustworthy Source
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
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- The amount of time you need to complete check-in will vary based on the size of the airport, day of the week, travel season, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to give yourself more time than you think you need!^{[3]
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  Trustworthy Source
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  Go to source}
2
Find your airline’s check-in counter and get in line. Most airlines have different lines for different types of travelers, for example, members of rewards programs and first-class flyers get preferential check-in services. Make sure you get in the appropriate line for your booking.^{[4]
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- If you are checking bags, then you will have to proceed to the check-in counter no matter what to drop off your bag.^{[5]
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3
Provide the check-in agent with identification and flight information. Depending on your airline and where you are flying to, the staff may ask for your flight number or booking number, or they may be able to check you in with just your ID. Have all your information and documents handy to present to the agent.^{[6]
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- If you booked your flight online, print out your confirmation email to provide all your flight information to the airline staff when they check you in.
- For international flights make sure you have your passport!
4
Receive your boarding pass and drop off any bags you are checking. The airline staff will usually check your bags at the same time they print you your boarding pass. Make sure to grab your baggage tag receipt for when you pick up your bag at your destination.^{[7]
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- There are several ways to get a boarding pass. You can get it on the airline's website and print it on paper.
- Or pull it up on your phone in the airline's app.
- You can also print it at the airport.
5
Check your boarding pass for your gate number and proceed to security. Follow the airport signs directing you to the appropriate security line for your gate. Keep your passport or ID and boarding pass out to present to TSA agents.^{[8]
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- Be prepared to remove your shoes and any items that have metal as you go through security and make sure that you do not have any prohibited items in your carry-on luggage.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Self Check-in Kiosks

1
Get to the airport the recommended 2-3 hours before your flight. Self check-in lines are usually shorter than waiting in line for the airline counter staff to check you in, but leave yourself plenty of time for security or unexpected delays. Check with your airline for specific arrival recommendations.^{[9]
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- Remember that if you are checking a bag you will have to proceed to the airline counter to do so.
2
Look for your airline’s self check-in kiosks and find an open one or wait in line. The kiosks will be located near the airline’s check-in counter. An advantage of self check-in kiosks is that there are usually no long lines.^{[10]
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- Have your ID and flight information handy when you proceed to the kiosk. If you are flying internationally you will need your passport.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen of the kiosk to print your boarding pass. The check-in kiosk will prompt you to enter your flight information or scan your ID. Sometimes you can scan the credit card you paid for the flight with to check in.^{[11]
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- Your passport is required for international flights. The kiosk will prompt you to scan it.
- Bring a printed copy of the confirmation email you received if you booked online so you have all your flight details available.
4
Look at your gate number and follow airport signs to security for your gate. Remember to keep out your ID and boarding pass to present to security agents. Make sure that your carry-on luggage meets all airport and security guidelines.^{[12]
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- Read the TSA’s airport security guidelines prior to arriving at the airport to learn what you can and can’t bring through security.

Community Q&A

Question

If my plane ticket is on my cell phone, then how will I show my ticket to the security personnel? I have no printed out ticket.

Community Answer

You show them the ticket on your phone! Just open up the app or email for the security agent and they will scan the barcode.
Question

Will my boarding pass show all the connections I will be making on the flight?

SapphireGalaxy

Community Answer

No, traditionally you will receive separate boarding passes for each flight you are taking. So at each connection, you will need to pull up a new boarding pass.
Question

We have checked in online so do we still have to go to the counter to get our tickets?

SapphireGalaxy

Community Answer

No, if you have checked in online and have your boarding passes available (generally via mobile app or a link they send to your email/via text message), you do not need to go to the counter.