Is 'boarding pass' one word or two?

It is two separate words: 'boarding pass'.

Can I use 'boarding ticket'?

While sometimes understood, 'boarding ticket' is non-standard and uncommon. 'Boarding pass' or 'boarding card' are the correct terms.

Do I need a boarding pass if I have an e-ticket?

Yes. An e-ticket is your receipt and reservation. You must still check in (online or at the airport) to obtain a boarding pass, which is your authorization to board the specific aircraft.

What information is on a boarding pass?

Typically: passenger name, flight number, departure/arrival cities and times, gate number, seat assignment, boarding time, and a barcode/QR code.

Is “boarding pass” formal?

Boarding pass is usually neutral to formal in register.

How do you pronounce “boarding pass”?

Boarding pass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔː.dɪŋ ˌpɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːr.dɪŋ ˌpæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

boarding pass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High

UK/ˈbɔː.dɪŋ ˌpɑːs/US/ˈbɔːr.dɪŋ ˌpæs/

Neutral to Formal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “boarding pass” mean?

A document, typically a card or paper slip, issued by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board an aircraft for a particular flight.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A document, typically a card or paper slip, issued by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board an aircraft for a particular flight.

By extension, any similar document granting access to a specific mode of transport (e.g., a train, ship) or a controlled area (e.g., a secure event, a gated community).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

British English shows a slight preference for 'boarding card', though 'boarding pass' is dominant and universally understood. American English overwhelmingly uses 'boarding pass'.

Connotations

Both terms are neutral. 'Pass' can imply a more official, non-transferable document. 'Card' emphasizes the physical medium (though both can be digital).

Frequency

'Boarding pass' is the global standard term in the aviation industry and is used in all major English dialects.

Grammar

How to Use “boarding pass” in a Sentence

to have a boarding passto issue a boarding passto be issued with a boarding passto check in for a boarding pass

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

print a boarding passdigital boarding passshow your boarding passcheck-in and get your boarding passscan your boarding passelectronic boarding pass

medium

receive your boarding passboarding pass holderpresent your boarding passlost my boarding passboarding pass informationvalid boarding pass

weak

boarding pass deskboarding pass numberboarding pass controlboarding pass details

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Essential for corporate travel management and expense reporting.

Academic

Used in studies of logistics, tourism, and human-computer interaction (e.g., digital passes).

Everyday

A routine term for anyone traveling by air.

Technical

In aviation and IT systems, it refers to a specific data record with a barcode/QR code, passenger name, flight details, and seat assignment.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “boarding pass”

Neutral

boarding card

Weak

boarding documentflight passboarding authorization

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “boarding pass”

denial of boardingboarding refusal

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “boarding pass”

Writing it as one word: 'boardingpass'.
Using 'ticket' interchangeably (a ticket is for purchase, a boarding pass is for boarding).
Pronouncing 'boarding' with a hard 'g' (/g/) instead of the correct /ɪŋ/.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is two separate words: 'boarding pass'.
: While sometimes understood, 'boarding ticket' is non-standard and uncommon. 'Boarding pass' or 'boarding card' are the correct terms.
: Yes. An e-ticket is your receipt and reservation. You must still check in (online or at the airport) to obtain a boarding pass, which is your authorization to board the specific aircraft.
: Typically: passenger name, flight number, departure/arrival cities and times, gate number, seat assignment, boarding time, and a barcode/QR code.
: A document, typically a card or paper slip, issued by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board an aircraft for a particular flight.
: Boarding pass is usually neutral to formal in register.
: Boarding pass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔː.dɪŋ ˌpɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːr.dɪŋ ˌpæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

You need a PASS to BOARD the plane. Think: 'Your PASS to BOARDing'.

Conceptual Metaphor

A KEY (to the aircraft/gate); a TICKET (for the final stage of travel); a PERMIT (granting access).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before proceeding through security, make sure you have your passport and .

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a key difference between a flight ticket and a boarding pass?