Yes, you need a boarding pass to pass through TSA security at the airport
TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint without a boarding pass. You must show either a physical printed boarding pass or a digital one on your phone — TSA agents scan the barcode to verify your flight and identity match. If you arrive at the airport without a boarding pass, you will have to go back to the airline counter to get one before you can enter the security line.
The boarding pass serves as your ticket to board the plane and also proves to TSA that you have a legitimate flight. Without it, TSA has no way to confirm you are actually flying that day. Even if you have your ID and reservation confirmation, those are not enough — TSA specifically requires the boarding pass itself.
Key Takeaways
- A boarding pass — printed or digital — is required to enter any TSA security checkpoint.
- You can get a boarding pass at the airline counter, at a kiosk in the terminal, or online before you arrive at the airport.
- A digital boarding pass on your phone works the same as a printed one and is scanned by the TSA agent.
- If you lose your boarding pass after passing through security, you can still board the plane with your ID and reservation confirmation.
Where to get a boarding pass before security
Most airlines let you check in and get your boarding pass online 24 hours before your flight. You can print it at home, save it to your phone, or pick it up at a kiosk when you arrive at the airport. Checking in online is the fastest option because you skip the airline counter line entirely.
If you did not check in online, you can get a boarding pass at the airline counter or at a self-service kiosk in the terminal. The kiosks are usually near the entrance to the terminal or near the airline's ticket counter. You will need your ID and reservation confirmation number, which is in your confirmation email from the airline.
Some airlines charge a fee for printing a boarding pass at the counter if you did not check in online, though most do not. Check your airline's website before you arrive to know what to expect.
Digital boarding passes on your phone
A digital boarding pass is a barcode and flight information displayed on your phone screen. TSA agents scan it the same way they scan a printed pass. Most airlines have apps that show your boarding pass, or you can use Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet to store it.
Digital passes are convenient because you do not have to print anything or carry paper through the airport. The barcode stays on your phone even if your battery is low — TSA can usually scan it even if the screen is dim. If your phone dies completely, you can still show your ID and reservation confirmation to the TSA agent, and they will let you through, though it may take longer.
Make sure your phone has enough battery before you go through security. If you are worried about battery life, print a backup copy at home or at an airport kiosk.
What happens if you lose your boarding pass after security
If you lose your boarding pass after you pass through TSA security, you can still board the plane. Show your ID and your reservation confirmation number to the gate agent when you board. The gate agent can look up your reservation in the airline system and print a new boarding pass or let you board without one.
This is different from the TSA checkpoint, where a boarding pass is required. Once you are past security, the airline cares about your reservation, not the physical pass.
International flights and boarding passes
International flights require a boarding pass just like domestic flights. You will also need your passport and possibly other documents depending on your destination, but TSA still requires the boarding pass to enter security. Check your airline's website for any extra documents you need for your specific destination.
Some countries require you to show a boarding pass when you enter the country, so keep a copy even after you board. Digital copies work for this purpose.
Connecting flights and boarding passes
If you have a connecting flight, you need a boarding pass for each leg of your trip. When you check in for your first flight, the airline will print or display boarding passes for all your flights if they are on the same reservation. If your flights are on different reservations or different airlines, you will need to get a separate boarding pass for the second flight.
For the second flight, you can check in online before you arrive at the airport, or you can use an airline kiosk or counter at your connecting airport. You will go through TSA security again at the connecting airport if you are flying domestically, so you will need that boarding pass before you enter the security line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show TSA a screenshot of my boarding pass instead of the actual digital one?
A screenshot works if the barcode is clear and readable, though TSA prefers the live version from your airline app or wallet because it updates in real time. If you take a screenshot, make sure the barcode is large and not blurry.
What if the airline website is down and I cannot get a boarding pass online?
Go to the airline counter or kiosk at the airport. The airline's systems are usually separate from the website, so even if the website is down, you can still get a boarding pass at the terminal. Arrive early to account for the extra time at the counter.
Do I need a boarding pass if I am just dropping someone off at the airport?
No. If you are not flying, you do not need a boarding pass. You can walk someone to the ticket counter or curb without entering the find area. Some airports limit how far non-passengers can go, so check your airport's rules.
Can TSA turn me away if my boarding pass does not match my ID?
Yes. Your name on the boarding pass must match your ID. If there is a mismatch, TSA will not let you through. Contact the airline when ready to fix the name on your reservation before you go to security.
What if I have a paper ticket instead of a boarding pass?
A paper ticket is not the same as a boarding pass. You need to exchange it for a boarding pass at the airline counter or kiosk before you go through security. Paper tickets are rare now, but the process is the same.