What happens if I go to the airport without a boarding pass? (2024)

FAQs

What if I don't have a boarding pass? ›

If you don't have a paper boarding pass, or a boarding pass on your airline mobile app available to show to TSA, You will be sent back to the ticketing counter to get one. You won't be cleared past the security check point or screening point without a boarding pass.

However, the airline will typically provide you with a new boarding pass. All airlines have a general policy stating that boarding passes are required for all passengers to board flights. So, don't worry if you misplace your boarding pass. Usually, the airline will give you a new one.

Most airlines will assist in booking you onto a new flight the same calendar day or the next available flight. This rebooking process can vary depending on the airline's policy, the reason for missing your flight, and seat availability on the new flight.

If you don't meet your check-in time limits, we have the right to deny service. We may cancel your reservations, deny boarding, or refuse to check your bags.

You can be through security only if you are accompanying an elderly, a minor, or a person with disabilities or if you are a military family member or if you are entering one of the airports that offer hassle-free visitor passes without a valid reason for the general public.

If you need some assistance, agents can generate passes at the check-in counter as well as the departure gate. For fans of digital passes, it's also possible to pull up a mobile boarding pass via an airline's app or an emailed PDF.

If you forget to check in online or forget or lose your boarding pass, you will still be allowed to travel. You will just have to check in as normal or have a new boarding card printed for you at the airport.

Boarding Pass

Passengers are requested to carry a print out of their boarding card once they have completed their mobile Check-in. The boarding pass can also be obtained from one of the IndiGo counters at the airport. However, it is recommended to take the print in advance to skip the queue. Was this helpful?

Can I reprint my boarding pass if it's lost or damaged? Yes, most airlines will allow you to reprint your boarding passes.

If you know you can't make a scheduled flight, it's better to cancel your flight rather than be a no-show. If you cancel, you might receive a partial or whole credit for the fare purchased, to be applied to a future flight.

What happens if you don't check-in online before a flight? ›

If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.

Generally speaking, we like to err on the side of caution and suggest you print out your boarding pass, even if you already checked in online and have a mobile version on your phone.

For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.

For instance, if you aren't checking a bag, you can skip the lines at the check-in counter and proceed directly to airport security with your carry-on bag and an electronic ticket. A carry-on bag is just one more item that security personnel may need to search.

If you don't show up for a flight for which you have a reservation, you are a no-show and your reservation is cancelled. The good news is someone, who might have been bumped, gets your seat.

You can go to the check-in desk at the airport and pick up your boarding pass. Low-cost airlines may charge you additional fees for printing your boarding pass.

It is the responsibility of the passenger to step up to the jetway door and present his boarding pass. If he doesn't his seat may be reassigned to a stand-by passenger or the door will close and the plane will leave without him.