10/06/2025
Don't Toss That Boarding Pass! Why You Need to Keep It After Your Trip
We've all been there. You've landed, collected your luggage (hopefully!), and are eager to leave the airport and begin your vacation or return home. In the rush, that boarding pass often ends up crumpled in the bottom of your bag or tossed into the nearest trash can. But hold on! That seemingly insignificant piece of paper (or digital barcode) could be more valuable than you think, even after your flight.
Why should you keep your boarding pass after your trip? Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:
Proof of Travel for Frequent Flyer Miles/Loyalty Programs: While most frequent flyer programs automatically credit your account with miles earned, occasionally glitches happen. Missing miles are one of the most common travel issues, and your boarding pass serves as concrete proof that you took the flight. Along with your ticket number, it drastically simplifies the process of claiming those missing miles or points. Keep it as backup!
Documentation for Travel Insurance Claims: Lost luggage, delayed flights, medical emergencies β travel can be unpredictable. If you need to file a claim with your travel insurance provider, your boarding pass is a crucial piece of documentation to prove you were actually traveling and when you were. It verifies your itinerary and can be vital for compensation.
Expense Reports and Reimbursements: If you're traveling for business, you'll likely need to submit an expense report. Your boarding pass is often required as proof of travel for reimbursement purposes. It verifies that you were physically present at the designated location, on the dates claimed.
Claiming Compensation for Delays/Cancellations (EU/UK): If your flight was delayed or cancelled and you're entitled to compensation under EU or UK regulations (like EU261), your boarding pass provides essential details about your flight, arrival time, and helps support your claim.
Audit Trails: Occasionally, inaccuracies can arise with reservations, especially when multiple legs, airlines, or codeshares are involved. Holding onto the boarding pass can serve as proof to help resolve any future miscommunication.
How Long Should You Keep It?
Generally, you should keep your boarding pass for at least six months. This gives you ample time to resolve any potential issues with mileage credits, expense reports, or insurance claims. Some frequent flyer programs allow you to claim miles retroactively for up to a year, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
