Travellers are being urged to ensure they are prepared as some airlines start moving towards fully digital check-in systems.
Following a recent survey, travel insurance experts Tiger.co.uk, can reveal nearly half of passengers (43%) prefer to print their boarding passes when flying, this shift towards digital-only check-ins has raised alarm bells among some travellers.
The survey also highlighted that one in four people would be put off flying with an airline that only uses digital boarding passes, with most concerns surrounding elderly travellers and those who aren’t too familiar with technology.
Worries have also been raised about potential phone glitches or app failures.
This comes after a popular budget airline announced it was embracing the digital age by getting rid of paper boarding passes this November. The airline promises these changes will provide a smoother, more efficient travel experience for passengers, as well as environmental benefits by reducing paper waste.*
While the new changes will not affect travellers heading on holidays this summer, experts are encouraging people to use this transition time to start getting familiar with digital check-ins so they’re well-adjusted before the paper boarding passes are eliminated completely.
To avoid disruptions, travellers should ensure their mobile devices are fully charged before heading to the airport and carry a portable charger with them if possible.
It’s also important to download all necessary travel documents beforehand rather than relying on internet access at the airport.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “While digital check-ins offer convenience and minimise paper waste, not everyone is on board with the shift away from paper boarding passes.
“With nearly half of travellers still preferring to print out their boarding passes, there are valid concerns about accessibility, particularly for older travellers and those who aren’t savvy with smartphones.
“With the changes now delayed until the end of the year, we encourage travellers to take advantage of this transition period to get comfortable with digital check-ins and to help avoid disruptions at the airport once the new systems are in place.
“Taking simple steps like downloading boarding passes in advance, ensuring mobile devices are fully charged before arriving at the airport and carrying a backup power source can help prevent last-minute travel stress.
“Travel insurance could help protect travellers from missed departures and travel disruptions, just note that the insurer is unlikely to support a claim if the issue was the fault of the traveller, so if tech-related issues have you worried, it’s sensible to speak to your insurance provider in advance and add on any additional protection you might need.”
Tiger.co.uk can help holidaymakers compare travel insurance and find savings on travel insurance for families and even those who need travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
