Quick answer: Tap Add to Apple Wallet in your airline's app or confirmation email. Wallet passes work offline and appear on your Lock Screen near departure time. If there's no Wallet option, save the PDF to Files or take a screenshot as a backup.
Written for iOS 18 and iOS 26. Menu names can differ slightly on older versions.
Nobody wants to hunt for a boarding pass at the gate. Here's how to save one so it's ready the moment you need it, even with no signal.
Option 1: Apple Wallet (best)
- Check in through the airline's app or website.
- Tap Add to Apple Wallet on the boarding pass screen or in the email.
- Tap Add.
The pass works offline, appears on your Lock Screen around departure, and some airlines update it automatically when the gate or time changes. Many event and train tickets work the same way.
Option 2: The airline's app
Keep the app logged in as a backup. It often shows live changes first, but it may need a connection to load, so don't rely on it alone.
Option 3: Save the PDF
If the boarding pass comes as a PDF, open it, tap Share, and choose Save to Files. Files on your iPhone open without signal. A PDF left in your inbox may not load at the airport.
Option 4: A screenshot, as a last resort
A screenshot works offline but won't update if the gate changes, and some airlines don't accept screenshots of dynamic codes. If you take one, favorite it so it's easy to find, and turn up your screen brightness at the scanner.
Keep the whole trip together
Boarding passes are one piece. Hotel confirmations, door codes and rental details need a home too. How to keep travel plans in one place.
Troubleshooting
- No Wallet button: not every airline supports Wallet. Use the app plus a saved PDF.
- Pass not on the Lock Screen: check that Wallet notifications are allowed in Settings.
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