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When you check in online with JetStar, it offers you 2 options for getting and using your boarding pass:

  1. Receive a link by SMS (and not by email) to the boarding pass to be added to the Google/Apple Wallet app. When boarding, you need to open the app and show the boarding pass in it.

  2. Receive an email with PDF boarding pass. This needs to be printed out, and the paper needs to be presented when boarding.

In option #2, what is the rationale for requiring the PDF pass to be printed out? Why can't the PDF just be shown from the screen?

Related question: in option #1, why can't the link be received by email?

Greendrake
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2 Answers2

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Having done option #2, I am now doing #1, and I think the rationale in question may be to ensure streamline barcode scanning at the gate, and to minimise delays.

When one opens a boarding pass in Google Wallet, the barcode is automatically positioned in the centre of the screen, and its brightness is forcibly boosted. This is obviously to ensure easy scanning (low brightness makes it unreliable or impossible). That is why if the boarding pass is to be scanned from the screen, it is better stored and accessed from an app specifically designed for it rather than simply by opening a PDF file.

With paper, there is no brightness problem, and barcode positioning is quick and easy.

why can't the link be received by email?

It certainly can, but, perhaps, SMS is seen the most accessible (and sufficient) option.

Greendrake
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@Greendrake's answer is perfect, I just have a little addition to the email part.

For some weird reason that I do not understand, most reservations I have seen which are done by travel agencies or businesses will have the correct person's mobile phone number but will have the agency/business email and not the traveler's, both of these emails might not be available on the traveler's phone.

SMS can be accessed even in a non-smart feature-phone such as Nokia 3310 while emails cannot.

This airline is basically trying to ensure that you arrive at the airport with the best possible option that will save them time and effort.

Nean Der Thal
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