What Happens If Your Boarding Pass Is Lost

01/02/2026

⬛ QUICK ANSWER (READ FIRST)
If your boarding pass is lost, your trip is not over.
Airlines can reprint it or issue a new one after checking your ID.
It may slow you down, but you can still fly the same day.

Losing a boarding pass is common

It happens all the time.

Paper boarding passes fall out of pockets. Phones run out of battery. Screens crack. None of this cancels your ticket.

Knowing what happens if your boarding pass is lost helps you stay calm and move fast.

You can get a new boarding pass easily

Airlines do not rely on paper alone.

You can usually:

Go to the airline check-in counter
Use a self-service kiosk
Ask a gate agent

Show your ID, and the airline can find your booking and print a new pass.

Security screening still works

Security does need a boarding pass, but not the original one.

Once you get a reprinted pass:

Security screening continues normally
No extra checks in most cases
No penalty for losing it

This is a normal part of what happens if your boarding pass is lost.

Digital boarding passes can be reissued

If you used a phone pass before:

You can:

Re-download it from the airline app
Get it emailed again
Ask staff to print a paper copy

Airlines expect phones to fail sometimes.

Gate agents handle this every day

Gate staff are used to this problem.

If you lose your pass near boarding time:

Go straight to the gate desk
Bring your ID
Ask for a reprint

As long as you arrive before boarding closes, you’re usually fine.

Boarding time still matters

This part is important.

Even with a lost boarding pass:

Boarding deadlines do not change
Late arrival can still cause missed flights

Losing the pass does not pause the clock.

International flights may take longer

For international travel:

Passport checks are stricter
Extra verification may happen
Reprinting can take more time

Always arrive early if you’re flying internationally and dealing with what happens if your boarding pass is lost.

You will not be fined

There is no fine for losing a boarding pass.

Airlines do not charge for:

Reprinting
Issuing a new pass
Updating your record

The only cost is time.

When it becomes a real problem

Problems happen only if:

You have no valid ID
Boarding has already closed
Airport staff cannot verify your booking

In these rare cases, you may be denied boarding.

How smart travelers avoid stress

Experienced travelers do simple things:

Screenshot boarding passes
Keep paper passes safe
Save booking numbers offline
Arrive early

These habits reduce trouble linked to what happens if your boarding pass is lost.

Final takeaway from real travel experience

Losing a boarding pass feels stressful, but it’s a small problem.

Airlines track you by name and ID, not paper. As long as you act fast and arrive on time, your journey continues.

Understanding what happens if your boarding pass is lost turns panic into a short delay—and nothing more.

FAQ – Lost Boarding Pass

Question	Answer
Can I still fly if I lose it?	Yes, with a reprinted pass.
Do airlines charge for reprinting?	No, it’s usually free.
Is ID required to get a new one?	Yes, valid ID is needed.
Can gate agents reprint it?	Yes, before boarding closes.
Is this worse for international flights?	Yes, it may take longer.
Will security allow me without it?	No, you need a replacement pass.