Boarding tickets are certainly something you’re familiar with if you’ve ever taken a flight. You can either print a boarding ticket at home or get one at the airport.
For the uninitiated, a boarding pass is a ticket that helps you board the airplane.
You won’t be able to board the plane if you lose your boarding pass. Through it, the airline can confirm that everyone on board has a valid ticket and is authorized to be there.
Now that you know what a boarding pass is, let’s learn why a QR Code is added to a boarding pass.
A. Why is a QR Code added to a boarding pass
The concept of a QR Code on a boarding pass is not hard to understand.
It is meant to allow the passengers or the airlines (or both) access to flight information and more.
A QR Code for boarding pass may include information such as:
- The legal name of the passenger
- Flight information
- Airline name
- Departure gate information
- Departure and arrival cities
- Flight number
- Departure time
- Boarding time
- Seat number
Not only this but there could be more information that can be included in the QR Code.
B. Other use cases of QR Codes for the airline industry
Do you think QR Codes are just limited to information sharing on boarding passes? Well, think again.
QR Codes have many other use cases to help you streamline numerous processes. Let’s have a look at them!
1. WiFi access for airport and airplane
In modern times like these, internet access is a necessity, even when you’re on the go. Your airline passengers are no different.
Many airlines offer wifi services. However, problems such as unreliable sign-up and slow loading speeds are common.
To tackle this, you can use WiFi QR Codes at the airport and on airplanes. Scanning the WiFi QR Code is as simple as clicking a picture.
On scanning, your guests can connect to the WiFi in seconds. It’s that simple!
Did you know?
37% of the U.S. population used QR codes in 2019. That’s over 121 million people.
source: SproutQR
2. Hassle-free parking system
You would want your passengers to park their vehicles, right conveniently?
Traditional parking systems are passe. They require receipt machines and are generally slow.
Additionally, it would be best if you had someone to keep tabs on the parking tickets and cash.
You could simplify this activity through the use of a QR Code. Your passengers won’t ever have to worry about carrying the exact cash amount and fear losing their parking ticket.
They can enter and leave the airport’s parking area while making digital payments via a QR Code.
3. QR Code payments
You would want to provide an easy payment experience for your passengers, right?
To achieve this, you can set up QR Codes for payments at the airport stores.
By scanning the QR Code, users can pay for their purchases using their smartphones.
It helps to cut down on lengthy wait times. Passengers also enjoy timely arrival for their flights.
4. Digital boarding passes and check-in
People are prone to losing paper-based items, like currency notes or tickets.
While you cannot do anything about the former, you can do something about the latter.
The most widely used technology for paperless boarding and check-in (also called electronic tickets), is QR Codes.
With a QR Code for boarding passes, passengers’ check-in and security check time is drastically reduced. None then needs to manually verify the passenger details on the ticket with the database. A quick scan is enough to do that.
5. Services and advertising for products
Every advertiser and marketer wants to grab the audience’s attention, right?
Traditional print media such as billboards are not so interactive on their own. Also, they don’t help the advertisers gauge the campaign’s success.
To overcome this, you may use a QR Code on your print media creatives. Using it, you can:
- Drive people to your website
- Offer discount and promo codes
- Share information
- Increase app downloads
- Share your contact details, and much more
Did you know? There was a 26% growth in total QR code scans from 2018 to 2019. That’s phenomenal year-over-year growth. But there’s more. There was a 35% growth in scans per object from 2018 to 2019
Source: Blue Bite
Oh, and in case you didn’t know, QR Codes also offer a feature called Event Tracking. It helps you see what action users take after scanning the QR Code. This could be anything such as clicking on the register button, downloading a PDF, or listening to audio.
6. Contact tracing
Since the onset of the pandemic back in 2020, the world as we know, has changed a lot.
One of the many advantages of a QR Code is that it can be scanned from a distance. It is quite useful in situations such as COVID-19 detection and health management.
Also, if a passenger has come into contact with an infected person, QR Codes help in checking the same.
Here’s a detailed article on how QR Codes play a vital role in the post-COVID world.
7. Travel guide for tourists
When people travel, it might or might not be their first time in a city.
Nonetheless, it would be helpful for them to know all about the city or the things it has to offer.
As someone from the airline industry, you can be a helping hand. You can set up QR Codes in and around the airport.
C. Advantages of using QR Codes for the airline industry
1. Reduces paper consumption
One great advantage is that you could limit the use of paper and other materials.
Additionally, you also reduce your expenditures on paper and other items. It helps you to leverage digital screens to their fullest potential.
You can provide them access to the information without spending money on paper products using QR codes.
2. Streamline your processes
When you use paper-based assets or manual processes for your operations, they tend to be a bit slow.
Using QR Codes helps speed up these processes, thanks to their fast scanning capability. In addition, the digital nature of QR Code technology saves you a lot of paperwork too.
3. Ease of use
The simplicity with which a QR code can be used is its best feature. QR Codes are open to all users (unless created otherwise).
No specialized personnel or training is needed to operate a QR Code. Furthermore, you do not need to print it each time for use.
Read more about the advantages of QR codes here!
4. Multiple use-cases
The versatility of QR Codes allows for a variety of uses, which is an advantage. As a result, it can be used for a variety of goals or tasks, such as:
- Business Promotion
- Advertising
- Operations
- Logistics
- Information sharing, and much more
D. How to create a QR Code for boarding pass
You now know the various aspects related to the QR Code for boarding passes. The next question is: how to create one?
An aviation business operates on a big scale. Hence, it needs a large number of QR Codes. It’s not possible to create them manually for each use case.
The solution is to integrate QR Code generation into your own information system.
Using Scanova’s QR Code API, you can do just that. Follow these steps:
- Head on to QR Code API and sign up for the free trial. On successful signup, you will receive 50 API requests for free
- On the page that loads, you may view your:
- Cycle usage
- Info on the number of days left
- Total allowable requests, and
- Requests made
- You can also choose Obtain API Key from the menu. Now click on Create
- If you opt to sign up using Google and click on Create, a 6-digit code will be sent to your email address
- Copy the code and then paste it into the dialogue box. Your API Key will then be visible to you. Copy the API key, then click on Documentation on the dashboard
- Now, scroll down to see the Authorize button on the right. To proceed, click on the Authorize button
- You will see a pop-up that will prompt you to paste the API key in the value box. Click on Authorize after pasting it
- Select the relevant QR Code category and then click on Test.
- Enter the information you wish to include in the QR Code, then begin personalizing it by choosing its size and other design elements.
- Click on Execute once you’re done finalizing the QR Code content and other parameters. You will see various options such as Curl, Response URL, and Response Body
- A QR Code with encoded content can also be seen when you slightly scroll down
- In the final step, copy the Response URL and integrate it into your information system or mobile app
If you want to create a QR Code for advertising or promotional use, you can just use Scanova’s QR Code Generator.
- Once you have logged in, go to the Create QR Code section from the left sidebar
- From the list of options available, choose any QR Code category
- In the following screen, enter the content and click on Continue
- You will then be redirected to the Create QR Code screen. In this screen, you need to specify additional details and settings of the QR Code
E. Why you should choose Scanova: Your all-in-one QR Code solution
In today’s digital world, with so many QR code generators out there, how do you choose the right one? Here’s why Scanova stands out as the perfect choice for all your QR Code needs:
1. Dynamic Control, Maximum Impact:
Scanova goes beyond static QR codes. You can generate dynamic QR Codes that allow you to update the destination URL or content after they’ve been printed or distributed.
Need to change a promotion or fix a link? No problem! With Scanova, your QR codes stay fresh and relevant, maximizing their effectiveness.
2. Security You Can Trust:
Data privacy is paramount. Scanova prioritizes the security of your information. Their platform adheres to the highest industry standards, including GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001:2013. Rest assured, your data is in safe hands.
3. Track and Analyze, Optimize and Succeed:
Knowledge is power. Scanova’s robust tracking features provide valuable insights into how your QR codes are performing.
See how many scans each code receives, where those scans are coming from, and even user behavior on landing pages. This data empowers you to refine your campaigns and achieve even better results.
Here’s how Scanova compares:
- Dynamic QR Codes: Unlike some generators limited to static codes, Scanova empowers you to adapt your QR codes on the fly.
- Unmatched Security: Scanova prioritizes data privacy with industry-leading security compliances, giving you peace of mind.
- Actionable Analytics: Scanova’s detailed tracking features provide valuable user insights to optimize your QR code campaigns.
Scanova isn’t just a QR code generator – it’s a strategic partner in your marketing journey.
Ready to take your QR codes to the next level? Choose Scanova and experience the difference!
F. Best practices for creating QR Code for boarding pass
Ready to create a QR Code for the boarding pass? Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Test your QR Code
People scanning your QR Code shouldn’t face any errors, right?
Make sure to test your QR Code to prevent this situation. Test on different operating systems (Android, iOS) on devices before sharing the QR Code.
2. Ensure optimal readability
Verify that your QR Code has a sufficient contrast ratio. If your users are scanning the code in low-light situations, instruct them to turn on the phone’s torch.
Exporting your QR Code in high-quality file types like SVG, EPS, and PDF is important. These may be resized without losing any quality.
3. Focus on customizing your QR Code
You may not be aware, but customized QR Codes encourage more scans.
This should be reason enough for adding your brand’s logo and colors to your QR Code. Not only will it look attractive, but people will be able to recognize your brand easily.
G. FAQs: QR Code for Boarding Pass
1. What is a boarding pass QR Code?
A QR Code for boarding pass is a digital version of your traditional paper boarding pass. It contains all the same essential information like your name, flight number, seat assignment, and departure and arrival times, encoded in a QR Code.
2. How do I get a QR Code for boarding pass?
Most airlines allow you to check in for your flight online (typically 24-48 hours before departure) and choose to receive your boarding pass QR Code. This can be delivered via:
- SMS (text message)
- Airline mobile app (download the app beforehand)
3. How do I use a QR Code for boarding pass at the airport?
- Make sure your phone is charged and the QR Code is easily accessible on your screen. Consider having a printed copy as a backup in case of battery issues.
- At the Security Checkpoint: Present your QR Code (on your phone or printed copy) to security personnel for scanning. They will verify your information and allow you to proceed.
- At the Boarding Gate: When your flight is ready to board, approach the boarding gate and again present your QR Code for the gate agent to scan. They will confirm your boarding and allow you to enter the aircraft.
4. What are the benefits of using a QR Code for boarding pass?
- Convenience: No need to print a paper boarding pass, just access it on your phone.
- Environmentally friendly: Reduces paper waste.
- Faster check-in: Speeds up the check-in process at the airport.
- Easy access: Flight information is readily available on your phone.
5. Do all airlines offer QR Code for boarding passes?
While most airlines offer QR Code for boarding passes, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific airline before your flight to confirm their options.
6. What if my phone battery dies or I can’t access the QR Code for boarding pass on my phone?
Most airlines recommend having a backup printed copy of your boarding pass QR Code in case of such situations. You can usually print your boarding pass QR Code at the airport kiosks if you checked in online beforehand, other manual verification methods are also available. Traditional physical boarding passes are still available as an alternative method in case of issues.
7. Can someone else use my QR Code for boarding pass to board my flight?
While unlikely, it’s theoretically possible. To minimize this risk, keep your phone secure and avoid sharing your boarding pass QR Code with anyone.
8. Can I still use a QR Code for boarding pass if I have checked in baggage?
Yes, having checked baggage does not affect using a QR Code for boarding pass. You might need to visit the baggage drop counter to have your bags tagged, but you can usually show your QR Code for boarding pass there as well.
Summing Up
Your aviation business could greatly benefit from a QR Code for boarding passes. Gone are the days of using a paper-based boarding pass with limited information.
Not only boarding passes, but you could also use the QR Codes for other use cases as discussed above.
If you’re still reading, you’ve already learned everything about QR Code for boarding passes. If you have any questions related to QR Code for boarding pass, let us know in the comments.