Discussion Forum

United Airlines **does not generally require a printed boarding pass** for most flights, but there are situations where having a printed copy can still be useful or necessary + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); the vast majority of passengers today use **mobile or digital boarding passes** displayed on their smartphone through the United app or saved to Apple Wallet/Google Wallet + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815) because TSA and airline gate scanners will accept the digital barcode just like a printed one + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

For **domestic travel within the United States**, a printed boarding pass is *not required* if you have a valid mobile boarding pass that displays your name, flight details, and a readable barcode + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); TSA officers and gate agents will scan the code directly from your phone screen + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815), and in most cases this process is fast and reliable, especially when your screen brightness is turned up so the scanner can read the barcode clearly + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

Even though printed passes are not required, some travelers **prefer to print one at home** after checking in online or via the United website/app in case their device runs out of battery, they have connectivity issues, or they will be going through an airport that’s very busy + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); this “just in case” printed copy provides peace of mind, particularly when you’re rushing through security or switching between multiple airports on a tight connection + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

There are rare situations where a printed boarding pass *might* be required, such as at certain **international destinations or smaller airports** where the local security or immigration systems do not readily scan mobile boarding passes + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); in these cases, airline staff or airport authorities may ask to see a physical printout, so it’s a good idea to check requirements based on your specific itinerary before you travel + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

If you have a **connecting flight in another country**, particularly outside major hubs, it’s worth confirming whether the next airport’s scanners will accept a digital pass + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); while most modern airports worldwide take mobile passes, a printed one can eliminate any doubt or delay at a foreign security checkpoint + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

United may also issue a **paper boarding pass at the airport** if you choose to check in at a kiosk or speak with an agent at the counter + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815), and this physical pass works just like a mobile pass would, with the same information and barcode printed on it + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); some travelers find this helpful if they’re not comfortable navigating smartphone apps or if they simply prefer the tangible backup + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

For passengers who **check bags**, you may be asked to show your boarding pass at the bag drop counter, and a digital version suffice just as well as a printed one + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); the agent will scan your barcode from your phone screen or printed pass before tagging your luggage and sending it on its way + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

If you have a **United Club membership** or access to premium check-in lanes, agents there can also print your boarding pass for you if you’d like a physical version even after checking in digitally + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); this is purely optional and based on your preference rather than any airline requirement + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

In emergencies—like when your phone battery dies, the United app freezes, or your mobile boarding pass fails to display properly—a printed boarding pass can be a lifesaver to ensure you get through TSA and onto your flight without delays + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815); for this reason, frequent flyers often take a moment to print a copy if they have access to a printer before arriving at the airport + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).

Nevertheless, United’s systems are designed around **digital boarding passes**, and travelers who check in online or via the mobile app are encouraged to use those electronic versions when possible + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815), since digital passes can update automatically if gate assignments change or if there are schedule adjustments, something a printed boarding pass cannot do once it’s been created + 1 - ( 855 )\(510)\(5815).