How Does Airline Staff Determine Which Portion of the Boarding Pass Needs to Be Given Back to the Passenger?
How Does Airline Staff Determine Which Portion of the Boarding Pass Needs to Be Given Back to the Passenger?
Boarding passes come in two halves, each containing identical information. The smaller half is kept by the airline staff, while the larger half with the baggage tag is given to the passenger. This straightforward arrangement can sometimes lead to confusion. In this article, we will explore the details of how and why this system is implemented, and we will also look at the variations in practice.
The Structure of a Boarding Pass
A boarding pass is typically made up of two parts:
The Counterfoil (smaller half): This is retained by the airline staff, usually at the check-in counter or at the gate. The Baggage Tag Attached Half (larger half): This half includes a removable label that can be affixed to the passenger's luggage for easy track and trace. The baggage tag is usually placed on the reverse side of this larger half.The separation of these two parts ensures that the airline can track the passenger and their luggage more efficiently. However, the process can vary depending on the airline and the region where the passenger is traveling.
Variations in Practice Across Airlines and Regions
There is no universal standard for which half is given to the passenger. In my own experience, I have noticed slight differences in the distribution of boarding passes:
In India: The larger half, with the baggage tag on the reverse, is consistently provided to the passenger. In Frankfurt: It is common to receive the smaller half with the baggage tag on the back.These discrepancies can be attributed to local practices or the specific airline's preference. While the distribution can vary, the design of the boarding pass always ensures that the check-in staff can identify the correct half to place the baggage tag on.
The Role of the Baggage Tag
The baggage tag is a crucial component of the boarding pass. Its primary function is to ensure that the correct luggage is matched with the right passenger. The tag contains essential information such as the flight details, the passenger's name, and the destination.
The placement of the baggage tag on the reverse side is not arbitrary. This design allows passengers to insert the tag easily without compromising the readability of the boarding pass. It also makes it more challenging for the tag to detach or fall off during transit.
The check-in staff must use the counterfoil to ensure that the baggage tag is attached correctly. This process is typically standardized within the airline, so the correct side is always used for this task. The counterfoil is kept by the airline to act as a reference and for administrative purposes.
The Future of Boarding Passes
With the increasing adoption of digital boarding passes, the paper-based system is expected to become obsolete. Digital boarding passes offer several advantages, such as:
Reduced paper waste. Identification verification at the gate. More efficient and accurate check-in processes. Remote check-in and mobile boarding.However, the transition to digital boarding passes is gradual, and many airlines continue to use the traditional boarding pass system. The paper-based boarding pass will likely disappear in the coming years, but for now, the practice of distributing the larger half with the baggage tag remains prevalent.
Conclusion
The distribution of the boarding pass halves and the placement of the baggage tag are both designed with efficiency and clarity in mind. While there may be variations in practice depending on the airline or region, the standardization of the check-in process ensures that the correct half is always used to place the baggage tag. As technology continues to evolve, the paper-based boarding pass is likely to become a thing of the past.