Travellers have been cautioned about a simple yet potentially trip-ruining error involving boarding passes that could result in losing their assigned seat on a flight. A passenger shared a tip regarding digital boarding passes on social media, advising: “Always screenshot your boarding pass from the app. Call me paranoid, but I take that extra step just in case.”
The advice was further illustrated with an anecdote on Reddit, where the user recounted an incident that highlighted the significance of taking a screenshot of your boarding pass.
They described a situation where they were offered an upgrade after finding their economy seat, only to be told later that it was a mistake and they were nearly left without any seat at all. The traveller wrote: “I finally get to first class and settle in, only for another flight attendant to come and tell me that it was a mistake and the upgrade was not available. Annoying but I guess whatever, maybe the gate agent made a mistake.”
They continued by explaining how upon returning to their original seat, they found it occupied by someone else.
They added: “I look in the app and of course, my boarding pass had changed to the FC seat, which was not available.”, reports Bristol Live.
Fortunately, they had taken a screenshot of their initial boarding pass, which they showed to the interloper and the flight attendant, resulting in the other passenger being reseated. The traveller concluded: “A complete snafu, which of course they had no explanation for, but if I had not had that screenshot, it would have been me in the back.”
Passengers are flooding the comments with appreciation for a recently shared travel tip. One user expressed their gratitude: “That’s awful! Great idea about the screenshot.” Another pondered, “I often wondered about that. So many seat changes seem to happen before a flight.”
A fellow traveller confirmed their routine: “I do it every single time, just in case my phone or the app has a connectivity issue at the wrong time.” Chipping in with another piece of advice, someone added, “I put mine on the wallet as well but if the seat changes it updates on the wallet too. Hence screenshot.”
The conversation comes amidst news that Ryanair is set to ditch physical boarding passes for good. Michael O’Leary, head honcho of the airline, has signalled that by May, the transition will be fully underway, noting that 60 per cent of flyers already opt for mobile passes.
Currently, UK travellers can receive a boarding pass directly from the airline’s airport counters. However, a hefty £55 fee applies if they fail to check in and get their boarding pass beforehand.
The upcoming changes signify an end to airport check-in desks, pushing passengers to go digital without exception.