But why would it matter? A QR code works regardless of the technology used to display it (be that paper, a screen, or a bunch of rubix cubes). What would the benefit of requiring digital boarding passes be? Unless the airline wants to force passengers to use their app so they can sell customer data and sell ads, there’s no real benefit to the actual boarding process.
the airline wants to force passengers to use their app so they can sell customer data and sell ads
That’s a bingo
I recently traveled abroad. Flying back to the US I was one of about 10 passengers on my flight that was randomly selected for an extra search that I guess the TSA requires of flights coming into the USA. I couldn’t create my boarding pass in the airlines app ahead of time. I had to check in at the airport, and the airline employed explained that it was because of this random search. He had to print a physical boarding pass, and pointed out it had the code AAAA printed in big letters across the top. This lets everybody know I was one of the lucky random winners.
At the gate, prior to boarding, they called up the names of all of us who had been chosen. They had a list, so they knew who we were. They confirmed our ID again & the boarding pass, then swabbed us down along with our carry-ons and put the swabs in an explosives detector.
No idea why all that required a physical boarding pass, but it did. Until the TSA moves into the modern age they’re likely going to continue demanding paper boarding passes. And we all know how quickly government organizations upgrade the technology they use…
But with digital boarding passes, they can get access to your entire phone. Last time I flew, I tried scanning my digital boarding pass at TSA. The guy stops me and basically just takes my phone to do it himself. I was trying to watch what he was doing with it, but he was sitting behind a terminal. When he handed the phone back, the web browser was open, showing my phone carrier’s website, instead of my boarding pass like it was when I handed it to him. There’s a small chance it could have been accidental, but if not, I don’t know what he was trying to access or why. Very unsettling.
Removed by mod
I had a connection through Geneva and while my international mobile phone coverage covered the UK and Germany, but Switzerland wasn’t included. The gate for the connecting flight was through an unsecured area, so I had to show a boarding pass again, except the United app which had the digital boarding pass couldn’t connect (because of no internet access) and I almost missed my connecting flight.
Luckily I had printed out the boarding passes, but they were buried in my carry on. So I had to unload the whole thing to find it, but I did. If I had only a digital boarding pass I would have been out-of-luck.
Yup. I work in IT, so I know digital stuff likes to shit the bed at the worst possible time. I always bring paper copies for situations like these.
Removed by mod
What happens if somehow your phone gets broken? I always get a paper pass printed out just in case.
What happens if you lose the piece of paper?
You can get a new boarding pass at the gate or before check-in so it’s not like you’ll be stranded at the airport.
I’m just saying it’s always good to have a backup, and it doesn’t cost you a thing. You never know what’s gonna happen, so redundancy is a good thing.
Removed by mod
I’m happy for you, but all it takes is one time. No reason not to have an extra backup.
Removed by mod
You can see it as living in fear, if that’s what helps you, I just see it as being as prepared as I can.
Frontier is already doing this. I flew with them a few months ago (my mistake) and I always print my boarding pass, but it wasn’t showing up anywhere when I checked in the day before. No big deal, I’ll print it at the self serve kiosk when I check my bag. Nope. The only way to get a boarding pass now is to pay $20 for a printed copy at the check in counter (and I wouldn’t put it past them to also tag on the $50 agent assistance fee while they’re at it) or download their proprietary app onto my phone.
Fuck, I’m so glad i’ve quit flying… If i ever go overseas, i’m going to hire a berth on a cargo ship.