Boarding Pass Won’t Scan at the Gate? What to Do in 2025

You arrive at your gate, hand over your boarding pass, and… nothing. The scanner won’t read it. This can be stressful, especially when the flight is boarding. Understanding why it happens and what to do can save time and prevent delays.

Common Reasons a Boarding Pass Won’t Scan

Printing or Display Issues

Paper boarding passes may have creases, smudges, or faded ink.

Mobile boarding passes may be too dim, cracked, or not fully loaded on your screen.

Gate Scanner Problems

Occasionally, the scanner itself is faulty or misaligned.

High passenger volume can temporarily slow scanning systems.

Ticketing Errors

Name mismatches or booking errors may prevent scanning.

Changes to your itinerary that weren’t updated in the system can cause issues.

Technical Limitations

Some older airports may not support mobile boarding passes.

Barcodes may be partially obscured or incompatible with certain scanners.

Immediate Steps to Take

Stay calm and signal the gate agent

Alert staff before trying multiple times. Panicking slows the line.

Show an alternative format

If mobile, try increasing brightness or opening the boarding pass in another app.

If printed, ensure the barcode is flat and fully visible.

Verify your identity

Have your ID ready; the gate agent may need to manually check you in.

Ask for a reprint or manual check-in

Airlines can print a new boarding pass or mark your pass for manual scanning.

Preventive Tips

Arrive early: More time means less stress if problems occur.

Use airline apps with updated boarding passes: Refresh the pass if your phone loses signal.

Print a backup: Having a paper copy is a good precaution for international flights.

Check your name and itinerary: Make sure your boarding pass matches your ID exactly.

International Considerations

Some international airports require paper boarding passes, especially in smaller terminals.

Mobile passes may not be accepted at some international gates, so check airline and airport policies in advance.

Customs and immigration checks can add extra time if you have to reissue your boarding pass.

Common Gate Agent Practices

Manual verification of boarding passes is standard if scanners fail.

Agents may hold a few passengers aside to prevent line congestion.

Airlines typically prioritize reissuing passes quickly to avoid missed flights.

Final Thoughts

A boarding pass that won’t scan is usually a minor issue. Staying calm, having ID and backup formats ready, and alerting gate staff immediately ensures you board safely and on time. Most issues are resolved within minutes if handled properly.