June 16, 2023.   Going Paperless.

Emirates has announced they’re eliminating paper boarding passes. Passengers will now rely on a digitized version on their smartphones.

Expect other carriers to follow. You’ll be told this is intended to make the check-in and boarding experience easier. You might hear the word “streamlined.” In reality it makes it more cumbersome and annoying. It’s up there with restaurants using QR codes in place of traditional menus. Instead of relying on the simplicity and and user-friendliness of something tangible, we now have to fumble with our phones.

As most travelers are aware, digital boarding passes already are a thing. But at most airlines the option for a hardcopy pass remains, and in many situations is preferable.

Then there’s the sentimental aspect of it. I’ve always loved the heavier, cardboard boarding passes used on many long-haul flights, and I’ve kept them as souvenirs. Many flyers do the same — the way people save ticket stubs from concerts and other memorable events. They’re keepsakes. Not being able to do this any more is another small way of making the air travel experience less special.

First went the boarding pass wallet. Now goes the pass itself.

Photo by the author.

Related stories:

THE POST-PANDEMIC HOTEL ROOM
HOMAGE TO THE BOARDING PASS WALLET