Airline ticket and boarding pass: a common goal, but different functions
Both of these documents are essential for planning your trip, as it is impossible to board the plane without one or the other. However, while both are essential, the airline ticket and boarding pass perform distinct functions. They are issued at different times, contain different information and serve different purposes, whether for the passenger, the airport or the airline.
For first-time travelers, the airport process can seem complex. It involves many steps, from entering the airport lobby to boarding the plane. Each of these steps requires specific formalities and the presentation of different documents.
For simplicity's sake, remember that the difference between the two documents lies in the access they allow. The flight ticket allows you to reserve your seat on a flight and make the payment with the airline. This is a trade document. On the other hand, the boarding pass is an operational document that gives you access to certain areas of the airport on the day of the flight.
Plane ticket to access the airline's services
What information is mentioned on your flight ticket?
This document is proof of your transaction with the airline since you get it after you have made the payment of the booking of your flight, several months, weeks or days before your flight.
The flight ticket includes several important pieces of information, including:
- The identity of the traveller (surname, first name, contact details, etc.)
- Flight references (name of the airline, round-trip date, destination, schedules, flight number, etc.)
- The number of booking
- The number of bags included or optional (as well as instructions on how to do them)
When should it be presented?
The flight ticket must be presented with your proof of identity during the check-in procedure, also known as check-in. This can be done at the airport counter upon arrival or directly online from the company's website or mobile app.
The boarding pass to board the plane
The information on your boarding pass
The boarding pass is also an essential document without which it is impossible to board the aircraft, even if you have a flight ticket.
The boarding pass contains several important information, namely:
- The passenger's identity
- Gate number and your seat number
- Information about the boarding deadline, the departure of the flight and its average duration
- Checked baggage information on the flight
You receive as many boarding passes as you have connections.
When should it be presented?
Also known as a boarding pass, it is given to you after check-in at the airport counter or after your online check-in in a dematerialized way. In other words It is issued to you when the booking of your flight is validated, a few hours before take-off.
