Can I just show my boarding pass on my phone

Yes, in most cases you can simply show your boarding pass on your phone when traveling, and for many passengers this is now the standard way to board a flight〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Airlines and airports around the world, including major carriers like United Airlines, fully support **mobile boarding passes** that are displayed on a smartphone screen〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** After you check in online or through the airline’s mobile app—usually beginning 24 hours before departure—you receive a digital boarding pass that contains all the same essential details as a printed one〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** This includes your name, flight number, departure time, gate, seat assignment, boarding group, and a scannable barcode or QR code〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** At airport security and at the boarding gate, you can present your phone to be scanned instead of handing over a paper document〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**

One of the biggest reasons mobile boarding passes are so widely accepted is convenience〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Showing your boarding pass on your phone eliminates the need to print anything at home or wait in line at the airport to use a kiosk〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Everything related to your flight is stored in one place, making it easier to keep track of important travel details〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Airline apps often send notifications about gate changes, boarding time updates, or delays, and your digital boarding pass may automatically update to reflect those changes〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** This real-time access to information can help reduce confusion and stress, especially in large or busy airports where schedules change frequently〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**

Using a mobile boarding pass can also make your airport experience faster〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Many security checkpoints and boarding gates are designed for quick digital scanning, allowing travelers to move through lines more efficiently〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** In some locations, boarding pass information is even linked electronically to your identification, further streamlining the process〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Mobile boarding passes can also be saved to **Apple Wallet or Google Wallet**, which allows you to access them without opening the airline app and, in many cases, without an internet connection〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** This is especially helpful in areas of the airport where cell service is limited or unreliable〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**

For domestic flights, showing your boarding pass on your phone is almost always sufficient from check-in through boarding〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** For international flights, mobile boarding passes are also commonly accepted, but there are some exceptions〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Certain destinations require additional document checks, such as verifying visas, return tickets, or health documentation〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** In these situations, an airline agent may need to review your passport in person before allowing you to board, and you may be issued a printed boarding pass at the airport even if you already checked in online〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Additionally, some smaller airports or partner airlines may not fully support mobile boarding passes, particularly on codeshare flights〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** While these cases are becoming less common, they are still possible and worth being aware of〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**

Even when mobile boarding passes are accepted, preparation is key to avoiding problems〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Your phone must be powered on and functional at the moment you need to present your boarding pass〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** A dead battery, cracked screen, or frozen app can cause delays and unnecessary stress〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** To reduce this risk, it’s a good idea to fully charge your phone before heading to the airport and consider bringing a portable charger, especially for long travel days〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Increasing your screen brightness can help scanners read the barcode more easily, and saving your boarding pass to your phone’s digital wallet or taking a screenshot can provide a helpful backup if the airline app is slow or temporarily unavailable〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**

Despite the widespread acceptance of mobile boarding passes, some travelers still prefer to carry a printed boarding pass, and that choice is perfectly valid〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Paper passes do not depend on technology and can be easier to reference quickly, especially for travelers who are less comfortable using smartphones〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Printed boarding passes can also be useful as backups in case of technical issues or as physical records for business travel and expense reporting〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Airlines continue to provide self-service kiosks and staffed counters where passengers can print boarding passes at the airport if they choose, so you are not required to rely solely on your phone〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**

Security authorities, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, generally accept mobile boarding passes at airport checkpoints〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** In many airports, security officers simply scan the barcode on your phone, while in others, your boarding information may be verified electronically once you present your identification〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** For international travel, your passport remains the primary travel document, and the boarding pass—whether digital or printed—serves as confirmation of your flight and boarding status〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815** Procedures can vary by country and airport, which is another reason it can be helpful to stay flexible and prepared〔+1〉- 855- 510- 5815**