Most travellers don’t give their boarding pass a second thought once they’ve boarded the plane. They’re either slipped into the seatback pocket and forgotten about, or binned on arrival.
But your boarding pass can be more than just your ticket onto a plane. Some airlines offer passengers a range of perks for choosing to fly with them, from free food and drinks to discounts off accommodation and activities – and your boarding pass is the key to unlocking them.
Here are some major airlines that offer boarding pass perks.
Emirates
Emirates is running its “My Emirates Pass” promotion until the end of September, where a boarding pass from the airline becomes your golden ticket to discounts and offers at more than 500 locations in the airline’s home base of Dubai, as well as the wider United Arab Emirates.
You can get up to 30% off spa treatments in ritzy hotels, discounts or buy-one-get-one-free on tickets for major tourist attractions like At The Top Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium and Wild Wadi Waterpark, and savings at a huge range of restaurants and shops.
All you need to do is present your boarding pass (printed or digital) at participating venues along with your photo ID.
Etihad Airways
Like Emirates, fellow UAE-based carrier Etihad also offers a range of deals and discounts for those flying into Abu Dhabi, with your boarding pass doubling as the “Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass”.
Get up to 25% off food and drinks in fancy hotel restaurants, save on beach and pool access, or treat yourself to a discounted spa treatment.
Your boarding pass remains valid for seven days after travel.
Turkish Airlines
If you have an international transfer flight through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, and your layover is at least six hours, you can join one of their Touristanbul tours.
To do so, make your way through passport control and head to the Hotel Desk in the international arrivals terminal. A guide will then pick you up and take you to some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. The tour even includes a free meal, allowing you to sample traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine.
Or you may be eligible for a free night in a four-star hotel, as part of the airline’s Stopover in Istanbul scheme – all you have to is check if your destination is included, and email the address provided to make your booking.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines was always well-known for the privileges that were previously only available with your boarding pass – but these can now be accessed by downloading the airline’s Kris+ app.
You have to sign up for a KrisFlyer account (which is free), but once you’ve done that you can log in to the app and claim promo codes from more than 1000 partner outlets in Singapore.
In a city famous for its food, it’s no surprise the dining deals are particularly decent – there’s complimentary cocktails and desserts, and even free bottles of wine up for grabs.
There are also deals and privileges available in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, South Korea and the US.
Korean Air
Korean Air has an “Excellent Boarding Pass” programme you can make the most of during your time in South Korea.
Highlights include 30% off admission to Seoul indoor theme park Lotte World, 25% off DMZ tours, and free drinks at fast food chain Shake Shack.
Present your boarding pass, with ID, to claim these discounts within seven days of your boarding date.
Asiana Airlines
Seoul-based Asiana Airlines has a “Magic Boarding Pass” programme with discounts available across the airline’s network.
Save on accommodation in Okinawa, bus tours in Hanoi, and sightseeing cruises in Paris.
To claim, either present your paper or digital boarding pass along with ID – it’s valid up to a month after your flight.
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