How to Read Your Boarding Pass: What Every Code, Number and Letter Means
Travel Guide: practical, plain-English help for everyday flyers.
A boarding pass looks like a small piece of paper or a phone screen full of codes. Once you know what each part means, it takes about ten seconds to read, and it can save you from missing a gate change, sitting in the wrong seat or arriving at the wrong airport. This guide goes through the fields you will usually see.
The basics you should check first
Passenger name. It must match the name on the ID or passport you will show. A spelling error is much easier to fix before you reach the airport than at the gate.
Flight number. This is the airline's two-letter or two-character code followed by digits, for example "AB 123". It is the number you look for on airport screens.
Date. Check the date of departure carefully, especially on late-night or early-morning flights near midnight.
From and To. These are usually shown as three-letter airport codes. For example, DEL is Delhi, LHR is London Heathrow and DXB is Dubai. Cities with more than one airport have separate codes, so it is worth checking that the code matches the airport you expect.
Times: boarding, departure and gate closing
Departure time. This is the scheduled time the aircraft is due to leave the gate, in local time at the departure airport.
Boarding time. Boarding usually starts well before departure, often thirty to forty-five minutes, but the exact time depends on the airline and the airport. If your pass shows a boarding time, treat that as the time to be at the gate.
Gate closes. Some boarding passes also show the time the gate closes. After that, the airline can refuse to let you board even if the aircraft is still at the gate. Treat this time as a deadline.
Gate and terminal
Gate. This is the door you board from, for example "B22". Gates can change, so always check airport screens or the airline app again after you clear security.
Terminal. At large airports the pass may show the terminal. Make sure you go to the right one, particularly at airports where terminals are far apart.
Seat, class and group
Seat. A row number and a letter, such as "23A". Seats near the front have lower row numbers. Letters usually run from the window side across the aircraft, but the layout depends on the plane.
Class or cabin. This may be shown as a letter code such as Y for economy or J for business. It tells the airline which cabin and fare type you bought.
Boarding group or zone. Many airlines board in groups or zones. Your group number or letter tells you when to join the queue. Boarding in order saves time for everyone.
Sequence number. Some passes show a sequence number, which records the order in which you checked in. It can be used by the airline for things like standby lists.
The booking reference
Booking reference (PNR). This is a code of about six letters and numbers. It identifies your reservation, and airline staff can use it to find your booking. Keep it handy if you need help with a change.
Ticket number. A longer, thirteen-digit number may also appear. It identifies the ticket itself.
The barcode or QR code
The barcode on your boarding pass holds your flight and passenger details. Gate staff scan it to check you in to the flight, and some security systems scan it too. Do not post a photo of your boarding pass on social media. The barcode and booking reference can be used by someone else to view or change your booking in some cases, so it is best to keep it private.
Other codes you may see
- Frequent flyer number and tier. If you belong to a loyalty programme, your status may be shown.
- Security or fast-track marks. Some airports print special marks for priority lanes or extra screening.
- Baggage information. Some passes show how many bags you checked or the baggage tag number.
- Lounge or priority text. Passengers with access may see this printed on the pass.
A quick checklist before you leave the check-in area
- Does the name match your ID?
- Is the date and destination correct?
- When does boarding start, and when does the gate close?
- Do you know your gate, and will you check it again later?
- Do you have the booking reference saved somewhere other than the pass?
Paper or phone?
Most airlines accept a digital boarding pass on your phone, and many travellers prefer it. If you use the phone version, charge your battery, download the pass in advance in case of poor signal, and consider keeping a paper copy as a backup on important trips. Some airports and routes still require a printed pass, so check before you travel.
The takeaway
You do not need to remember every code. Check your name, the date, the flight number, the boarding time and the gate, and look again at the gate before you board. The rest of the pass is there to help the airline and airport staff look after you.