The rise of digital technology: your smartphone becomes your key
For several years now, the aviation industry has undergone a complete shift towards digitalisation. The majority of passengers now prefer mobile boarding passes, received by email or available via online check-in.
The benefits are undeniable:
- Time-saving: No more queuing at self-service kiosks or check-in desks if you have no hold luggage.
- Environmental responsibility: Less printed paper means one more step towards helping the planet – a value that is close to our hearts.
- Peace of mind: Your boarding pass can no longer be left behind on the tarmac or left on the kitchen table. It’s on your phone – the device we always keep close at hand.
Do we still need a paper boarding pass?
Let’s be frank: in the vast majority of cases, the answer is no. For almost all routes operated by Chalair, simply showing the QR code for your check-in on your screen is more than enough to get through security and board the aircraft. Please note: online check-in is not available for flights departing from Ajaccio, Pau, Nice, Strasbourg and Kerry. You’ll need to check in directly at the airport counter to collect your paper boarding pass.
However, paper hasn’t quite had its final say yet. The need for a physical copy may arise in very specific situations:
- Dead batteries: It’s Murphy’s Law. Your phone decides to switch off at the exact moment the ground staff ask to see your ticket.
- Technical glitches: A cracked screen that makes it impossible to scan the QR code, or an app that refuses to open without an internet connection.
- Certain international destinations: Although Chalair focuses on regional and local routes, some airports outside the Schengen area still sometimes require a physical ticket for administrative stamping.
Our tips for travelling light
To ensure you’re never caught off guard, here are a few habits adopted by frequent travellers:
- Screenshots: Don’t rely on the airport’s Wi-Fi. Take a screenshot of your boarding pass as soon as you receive it. It will be accessible in your photo gallery, even in aeroplane mode.
- The digital wallet: Use apps (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) to store all your tickets in one place. They often appear automatically on your lock screen as your flight time approaches.
- The hybrid Plan B: If you’re the anxious type, print out your boarding pass but leave it at the bottom of your bag. It’ll only be needed in an absolute emergency.
The Chalair commitment: personal service above all
At Chalair, we prioritise a seamless passenger experience. Whether you’re a fan of the latest smartphone or prefer the tactile feel of paper, our ground staff are always on hand to assist you. If you encounter any technical difficulties upon arrival at the airport, our teams will be on hand to assist you, ensuring that your need for travel is never held up by a simple piece of paper.
The choice is yours
A paper boarding pass is no longer compulsory, but it remains a reassuring fallback option for some. Digital is now the norm thanks to its speed and convenience. It’s not the format that matters, but the destination!
Photo: Freepik