Why You Should Always Print Your Boarding Pass Before a Flight—and How to Store It Properly

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

The key to smooth, easy travel days is preparedness, and while society has undoubtedly come to rely heavily on technology over the last several years, there are some remnants of the past that are still integral to your travels. Exhibit A: printed boarding passes. While mobile boarding passes are a convenient and accessible way to have one of your most important travel documents at the ready, technology isn't infallible. Without a printed boarding pass, you run the risk of holding up the line if your phone dies or malfunctions before you make it to the gate. Adam Scott, founder of BermudAir previously told Travel + Leisure , 'In some international airports, mobile service or Wi-Fi access may be limited,' adding, 'Having a physical copy on hand helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures a smooth check-in and boarding experience from start to finish. "
However, if a rogue piece of paper is just about the last thing you want to be burdened with when juggling your luggage and other in-flight essentials, a handy storage solution can pave the way to a smooth travel day while keeping all your documents organized and accessible. Below, we've rounded up the 10 best pouches for boarding passes and passports to streamline your experience from check-in to the gate, starting at just $8 at Amazon. From belt bags to leather wallets, these are the accessories your packing list has been missing.
With slots to hold your boarding pass, passport, and even your driver's license, this slim travel wallet covers all the bases for keeping your documents protected yet accessible. The exterior is made from a luxurious nappa leather that feels buttery soft and smooth to the touch, and it's fitted with RFID-blocking technology to ward off would-be thieves. It's compact enough to fit into your go-to purse or belt bag so you can use it as your wallet throughout the duration of your trip. Plus, the bifold design firmly holds your boarding pass inside so it's readily available when it comes time to head to the gate. Right now, grab it on sale for nearly 30 percent off.
Designed with maximalist travelers in mind, this zippered document holder is the perfect place to store your physical boarding pass and other travel essentials, and the slim design will easily slide into your personal item with ample room to spare. The interior of the pouch is fitted with a number of slots for your passport, cards, and cash—and it even has enough space to safely hold your phone. Meanwhile, the exterior is fitted with a snug, easy access pocket that's the best place to keep your boarding pass, and it comes with detachable neck and wrist straps for carrying convenience. For longer vacations or international travel, this organizer is your best choice.
Keeping your boarding pass safe doesn't necessarily require a large storage case, so instead, this slim booklet-style protector is a great alternative at just $10. It's still fitted with handy pockets for other travel documents and cash, but the lack of zippers makes it easier to flip open in a hurry to locate exactly what you need. It's lined with RFID-blocking technology to ward off potential theft, and it's so slim that it'll take up even less space than a wallet in your purse. Plus, it's adored by shoppers, with one traveler sharing that it's the 'perfect place for boarding passes.'
This shockingly compact passport holder is small enough to fit into a coat pocket, purse, or personal item, making it an obvious selection for safely holding your boarding pass while heading through the airport. The sturdy nylon exterior is water-resistant and RFID-protected, and its secure zippers can safely holdan AirTag inside to keep track of your belongings during the chaos of a travel day. It's designed for long-term use thanks to ripstop material and durable zippers, and it's so valued by other travelers that more than 1,000 customers have snagged one from Amazon in the last month.
If you're on the hunt for a more general travel pouch that can also store essential documents, the Vorolo fanny pack should be at the top of your shopping list while it's on sale for just $8. The adjustable strap means it can be worn across your body or slung around your waist, and it comes in so many fun and neutral colors that will add personality to your travel wardrobe. The main compartment is large enough to hold your wallet, a portable fan, and other in-flight essentials (along with your boarding pass, of course), and it even comes with a subtle back pocket for easy access.
A best-seller at Amazon, this well-crafted, vibrant passport holder can easily store your boarding pass—and at $10 it's a drop in the bucket of your travel funds. Secured with a simple snap mechanism, the sleek design of this travel booklet will keep everything from your passport to spare SIM cards safe, and you can even slot an AirTag into one of the many pockets if you're especially prone to losing things during your travels. Tuck it into your fanny pack or favorite purse and your documents will always be easy to access, plus its bright red hue will make it a cinch to find in a packed personal item.
Bypass rummaging through your bag altogether and instead opt for this slim money belt that ensures you know where your boarding pass is at all times. Its waterproof exterior is a must-have in the summer heat, plus it's made with RFID-blocking technology to keep your cards and other personal information protected. The adjustable waist strap can be extended up to 56 inches for a comfortable fit that doesn't squeeze or pinch, and the primary pocket is large enough to tuck your boarding pass into without folding it. Did we mention it's on sale for just $20?
If you're looking for maximum storage space for not only your boarding pass but also the rest of your in-flight essentials, this four-pocket fanny pack is a must-have—and it's so popular that more than 20,000 shoppers have scored one in the last month. The hidden back pocket sits directly against your body, so it's the safest place to keep either your phone or passport, while the primary pocket is surprisingly roomy yet maintains a slim profile. Since you're limited to one carry-on and one personal item while flying, this fanny pack will easily slot into one of your other bags when preparing to board your flight, all while making it a breeze to locate your boarding pass.
At just $10, the Topbag Passport Holder is a bargain considering how much space it provides for holding your travel essentials from the airport and beyond. Not only is the front pocket the ideal location to tuck your boarding pass for easy access at the gate, but the interior is stacked with so many pockets for your cards, IDs, and even cash. The exterior is waterproof, so you can rest assured that everything is protected from inclement weather, plus it boasts RFID-blocking technology for an extra layer of security. Uninspired by its gray hue? This passport holder also comes in 10 other pastel colors that will easily add personality to your gear selection.
Paper-thin and thoughtfully designed, the Spigen Life Passport Card Cover Holder is an elevated document protection system that's currently on sale for $30 at Amazon. A locking mechanism keeps the case firmly shut when not in use, and it's fitted with so many thoughtful features like a SIM card slot, a SIM ejector pin, a pen holder, and a ticket pocket. A D-ring at the top of the pouch allows you to connect it to the inside of a large bag with a carabiner or clip, and you can affix an AirTag to the exterior for added peace of mind. Either way, you can trust that you have a convenient place to store your physical boarding pass and any other documents you may need throughout the duration of your trip.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.