How to save a boarding pass offline before a flight
A boarding pass that opens from a live airline page can become inaccessible when airport Wi-Fi fails. Add it to a supported wallet or save the airline-approved file before leaving a reliable connection.
Boarding-pass readiness
Check in
Get the airline's current pass for the correct passenger and flight.
Save locally
Use Apple Wallet, Google Wallet or the airline's supported offline option.
Open offline
Turn on airplane mode briefly and confirm the barcode is readable.
Use the airline's accepted format
Complete check-in through the airline's official app or website and confirm the passenger name, date and flight. If an Add to Wallet option is offered, use it while connected. Apple and Google explain how supported passes can be kept in their wallet apps; Google notes that a boarding pass saved to Wallet can be accessed without internet after the save is complete. A screenshot can be useful as a personal backup, but acceptance of screenshots varies by airline, airport and security process. Do not assume every barcode image is valid for boarding.
Prove offline access before you leave
Open the pass from the wallet or airline app, then briefly enable airplane mode and open it again. Check that the barcode or QR code renders clearly, the phone brightness is adequate and each traveler has the correct pass. If the pass only displays a loading spinner, reconnect and use the airline's documented offline method. Keep a reservation code and identity document accessible separately. A wallet pass on one phone is risky for a whole family if that phone runs out of battery.
Some passes show real-time gate or time changes while connected. An offline saved pass may not reflect a last-minute update, so check airport displays and airline messages when possible. If the airline reissues a pass after a change, save the new one and remove ambiguity about which is current. At a transfer airport, keep the next flight's pass available too, especially if data coverage is uncertain.
| Item | Offline preparation | Still needs an update? |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding barcode | Save in supported wallet | Reissue may replace it. |
| Booking reference | Save in note or screenshot | Usually stable. |
| Gate number | Check airport display | Can change. |
| Delay alert | Use airline or airport channel | Needs live information. |
Have a battery and desk fallback
Charge the phone before airport travel and carry an approved charging option. Know where the airline desk or kiosk is if a pass cannot be displayed. Do not post the boarding pass publicly; its barcode and booking details can reveal personal information. Keeping the pass offline reduces dependence on a travel eSIM, but the eSIM still helps with disruption alerts and onward transport after landing.