How to Get a Replacement Boarding Pass (Step-by-Step Guide)
Losing your boarding pass can feel stressful, especially when you’re already thinking about security lines, boarding times, and making your flight on time. The good news is that getting a replacement boarding pass is usually quick, free, and easy, whether you’re at home, on your phone, or already at the airport.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to get a replacement boarding pass online, through an airline app, or at the airport, what documents you may need, and what to do in special situations like losing your boarding pass at security.
What Is a Replacement Boarding Pass?
A replacement boarding pass is simply a reissued version of your original boarding pass. It contains the same flight details, seat number, and barcode or QR code needed to pass security and board your flight.
Airlines allow replacement boarding passes to ensure passengers can still travel even if their original pass is lost, deleted, or damaged.
How to Get a Replacement Boarding Pass Online
The fastest and most convenient method is reprinting or downloading your boarding pass online.
Steps to Get a Replacement Boarding Pass Online
Visit your airline’s official website
Navigate to “Manage Booking,” “My Trips,” or “Check-In”
Enter your last name and booking reference number
Download, email, or print your boarding pass again
Most airlines allow you to retrieve your boarding pass even after check-in, as long as your flight hasn’t departed.
How to Get a Replacement Boarding Pass Using an Airline App
If you originally checked in on your phone, your boarding pass is often still available in the airline’s mobile app.
What to Do
Open the airline’s official app
Log in or retrieve your booking using your confirmation details
Access your digital boarding pass
Save it to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or take a screenshot
Using an airline app is one of the easiest ways to avoid printing a boarding pass altogether. Many frequent travelers rely on this method when booking flights through travel platforms like thejerseyflights, where digital check-in is commonly used.
How to Get a Replacement Boarding Pass at the Airport
If you can’t access your boarding pass online or on your phone, the airport offers multiple backup options.
Option 1: Self-Service Check-In Kiosks
Locate your airline’s kiosk in the terminal
Enter your booking reference or scan your passport
Reprint your boarding pass instantly
Option 2: Airline Check-In Counter
Visit your airline’s check-in desk
Provide a valid photo ID (passport or government-issued ID)
Receive a new printed boarding pass from an agent
⏱️ Arrive early, especially during busy travel periods, to avoid delays.
Also Read: Missed Flight Because of Gate Change
What Documents Do You Need for a Replacement Boarding Pass?
Depending on how you retrieve your boarding pass, you may need one or more of the following:
Booking reference or confirmation number
Passport (required for international flights)
Government-issued photo ID
Airline loyalty account login
Email confirmation of your ticket
At the airport, ID is almost always required for security and verification purposes.
What If You Lose Your Boarding Pass at Airport Security?
Losing your boarding pass after reaching the security checkpoint is more common than you might think.
What to Do
Inform a security officer or airline representative
Return to the airline desk or kiosk
Verify your identity and booking
Receive a replacement boarding pass
You may need to go through security screening again, but airlines handle this situation routinely.
Also Read: American Airlines Name Change Policy
Can You Use a Digital Boarding Pass Instead?
Yes. Most airlines now fully accept digital boarding passes, and many encourage them.
Accepted Digital Formats
Airline mobile app boarding passes
Apple Wallet or Google Wallet passes
PDF boarding passes on your phone
⚠️ Make sure your phone is charged and your screen brightness is high enough for scanners.
Airline-Specific Replacement Boarding Pass Rules
While the process is similar across airlines, policies can vary slightly.
Major airlines (Delta, American, United): Free reprints online, at kiosks, and at counters
Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air): May charge a fee for airport reprints
International airlines: Passport verification is usually mandatory
Always check your airline’s official policy before arriving at the airport.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Boarding Pass
Save a digital copy on your phone
Email the boarding pass to yourself
Take a screenshot of the QR code
Print a backup copy for international trips
Conclusion
Losing your boarding pass doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. Whether you retrieve it online, through an airline app, or at the airport, getting a replacement boarding pass is a simple and common process. As long as you have your booking details or valid ID, airlines can reissue your boarding pass quickly and get you on your way.
✈️ Smart travel tip: Always keep a digital backup to save time and reduce stress.
Also Read: JetBlue Flights from New York to Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Boarding Passes
Yes. Airlines can reissue a boarding pass once your booking and identity are verified.
Online or via an app, usually no. At the airport, yes, ID is required.
Yes. Most airlines allow you to reprint or download your boarding pass after check-in.
Most full-service airlines provide replacements for free. Some budget airlines may charge at the airport.