September 8, 2025 | 11:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Flight tickets and boarding passes used in air travel often confuse novice passengers. Both are equally important for boarding a plane, but serve different functions. What are their respective functions, and do you need both?
In simple terms, A flight ticket serves as proof of purchase, confirming that a flight reservation has been made and paid for. Tickets are issued at the time of purchase. On the other hand, the boarding pass is only issued just before departure. To clarify further, here are the differences between flight tickets and boarding passes.
Flight Tickets
A flight ticket is a document, either in physical or electronic form (e-ticket), indicating that an individual has made a purchase or reservation for a flight. This document can serve as legal proof of booking and payment for a specific flight.
The ticket contains important information such as the passenger's name, flight number, departure schedule, destination, as well as fare and baggage conditions. The ticket is required as a reference at check-in, whether online or at the airport. The flight ticket is also a prerequisite for obtaining the boarding pass.
Boarding Pass
A boarding pass is issued after the passenger has completed the check-in process. This document serves as official permission to board the plane and occupy the assigned seat.
Usually included is information such as the passenger's name, flight number, seat number, departure gate, and boarding time. Also included is a barcode or QR code for scanning. The boarding pass is used as verification when passing through security checks and when boarding the plane.
Differences between Flight Tickets and Boarding Passes
Flight tickets and boarding passes differ fundamentally in their functions and issuance times. A flight ticket is obtained at the time of the initial purchase or flight reservation. Its function is as proof that a person has purchased the right to fly with the airline. Tickets can be altered or cancelled depending on the airline's policy and the type of ticket purchased.
Meanwhile, a boarding pass is only obtained after the check-in process is completed. Passengers cannot enter the departure area or board the plane without a boarding pass. A boarding pass is only valid for one flight at a specific time. This is unlike the ticket, which can still be reused if the schedule is changed or rescheduled.
Based on the information provided, flight tickets typically only include travel details, such as the schedule and flight number. In contrast, boarding passes include additional details, such as the seat number, boarding gate, and boarding time. They also include a barcode or QR code for verification. Tickets can also be used to access booking information on the airline's website or app, while boarding passes are specifically used as an "entry permit" to the plane.
The two documents also differ in form. Tickets can be saved as a PDF file in an email or app, or even printed if necessary. Meanwhile, boarding passes can be in the form of a printout from the check-in counter, a self-printed copy at home, or a digital version displayed on a mobile screen.
About Digital vs Physical Boarding Passes
Digital boarding passes (stored on a smartphone or in apps like Google Pay/Apple Wallet) are very convenient, elegant, and environmentally friendly.
However, the printed version is still recommended in certain situations, for example, when there is a poor internet connection, a low phone battery, or the airline/airport does not support digital boarding passes.
Refrain from casually posting a boarding pass on social media because the barcode or PNR can disclose personal data and travel history, which can be exploited for identity theft or illegal access to airline accounts.
Kinar Laimaura contributed to the writing of this article
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