- Introduction: A Secret Mission To Dubai
- Review: Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport (MCO)
- A Final Emirates First Class Farewell!
- Review: The Dubai EDITION Hotel
- Paying To Upgrade On FlyDubai: My Experience
- Review: Emirates Business Class Lounge Dubai (DXB)
- Review: Marhaba Lounge Dubai Terminal 3 (DXB)
- Review: FlyDubai Business Class Boeing 737 MAX (DXB-BEG)
- My Drunk & Unusual FlyDubai Seatmate…
- Hyatt Regency Belgrade: My Four-Hour Stay
- Review: Air Serbia Premium Lounge Belgrade (BEG)
- My Frustrating Air Serbia Transfer Desk Experience
- Review: Air Serbia Business Class A330 (BEG-JFK)
- Review: Frontier Airlines A320neo Stretch Seats (ISP-TPA)
Often airlines have policies that they probably don’t put much thought into, but that can really damper the passenger experience. In this post I wanted to share one of those that I recently experienced at Belgrade Airport, prior to my Air Serbia flight to New York.
Long story short, I ended up (unnecessarily, in my opinion) waiting in a line for around an hour, and nearly missed my flight (or so I thought).
In this post:
Air Serbia’s absurd mobile boarding pass policy
I was flying Air Serbia business class from Belgrade to New York. The flight was scheduled to depart at 7:50AM. I had checked in online for my flight, and was issued a mobile boarding pass. I enjoyed spending some time at the Air Serbia Premium Lounge, and headed to the gate just under 90 minutes before departure, which obviously seemed plenty early.
When I got to the person checking IDs and boarding passes at the gate, she said “we need a printed boarding pass, go to the transfer desk.” I asked if it wasn’t just possible for her to print the boarding pass, but she said the only option was the transfer desk.
Hmmm… okay, if everyone with a mobile boarding pass needs to go to the transfer desk, I assumed there would at least be an efficient setup. Well, I assumed wrong. When I got to the the transfer desk, I found a really long line, with just two agents working.
At this point I walked to the Air Serbia Lounge, thinking that the agent there would be able to print my boarding pass, since typically that’s a service offered in airline lounges. Nope, the agent there said that wasn’t possible, and I had to go to the transfer desk.
So I got in line, and the wait ended up taking over an hour. It was extremely frustrating how slow the line was moving. It wasn’t just that there were only two people working, but it was also that helping each person took forever.
For example, in front of me was someone who was traveling on Wizz Air and missed her flight, and the Air Serbia agent probably spent five minutes explaining to her that she couldn’t help, because this was the Air Serbia transfer desk.
Some of the other passengers were traveling to New York, and that wasn’t an efficient process either, as there were lots of language barriers.
Agent: “I need your address in the United States.”
Passenger: “What?”
Agent: “Where are you staying in the United States?”
Passenger: “New Jersey.”
Agent: “But I need the address.”
Passenger: “I go to New Jersey.”
Then they’d have to phone up relatives to translate the whole conversation, etc.
I was toward the back of the line, and at this point I was worried I would miss the flight. Even though I initially went to the gate 85 minutes before departure, it was 15 minutes before departure by the time that I was helped. I ended up having my boarding pass issued around 10 minutes before scheduled departure, and then sprinted to the gate.
Of course I was a bit bummed that I would probably be the last to board, since I always try to get cabin pictures with as few people as possible. If it’s any consolation, at least boarding was delayed significantly, and hadn’t even started by the time that I got to the gate (even though the flight still showed as on-time).
This is a pretty bad passenger experience
I tend to think our impressions of travel experiences with airlines and hotels are often formed at the margins. For example, my biggest takeaway from my Hyatt Regency Belgrade stay was the friendly night auditor who insisted that she prepare me a coffee for my 4AM departure.
Conversely, the thing I remember most about my Air Serbia experience is standing in line for an hour, wondering if I’d miss my flight to New York because Air Serbia has a weird system in place for requiring physical boarding passes:
- Air Serbia either just shouldn’t allow mobile boarding passes for New York flights, or should inform passengers in advance (during the mobile check-in process) that a printed boarding pass from the transfer desk is required
- The Belgrade to New York flight is Air Serbia’s “flagship” route, so you’d think the airline would have a dedicated section at the gate where this could be handled, rather than sending passengers to a transfer desk, where they are in line with others who miss their flight, etc.
- I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if my flight had operated on-time; I went to the gate nearly 90 minutes before departure, yet only got to the gate with a valid boarding pass 10 minutes before departure, when Air Serbia claims the boarding gate for New York closes 40 minutes before departure
- And never mind the fact that most airlines provide some level of premium service for business class passengers, while in this case there was no separate business class queue, and the lounge attendant couldn’t help
- What would have happened if a flight was canceled and there were hundreds of people in line for the transfer desk?
I’ve taken a lot of flights in my life, but I’ve never had to wait over an hour in line just to get a printed boarding pass for a flight I already had a valid boarding pass for.
Bottom line
While minor in the grand scheme of things, Air Serbia has a policy whereby you need a printed boarding pass for flights to New York, even though Air Serbia’s website will issue a mobile boarding pass. This wouldn’t be an issue, except for the fact that you need to go to a transfer desk to get your boarding pass, and the line there can be really long.
I spent over an hour in line wondering if I was about to miss my flight because of this inefficient system. So if you take this flight, consider this a warning about your mobile boarding pass — either go to the check-in desk (which wasn’t open yet when I got to the airport), or go to the transfer desk really, really early.
Has anyone else experienced this Air Serbia transfer desk policy?
I won't recommend Air Serbia to my worst enemy horrible service, l physically go attack at Belgrade Airport by one of passport controller. Hey all checked my passport for nearly 10 minutes just because I looked different. Also checked in on line got my seat on the plane and another person had the same sea number they asked me to move so the man can sit. Please avoid Air Serbia it the worst.
You are at the Balkans and you have at the balkans balkan habits.
If you want to avoid that type of treatment, don't fly a balkan airline. I was a frequent flyer and my choice to Belgrade was Lufthansa, katar airways, Ethihad,.....
Furthermore you flew business class. Mistake. Out of here non explainable reasons you will be treated worse than economy.
In the focus of air traveling in the normal world is...
You are at the Balkans and you have at the balkans balkan habits.
If you want to avoid that type of treatment, don't fly a balkan airline. I was a frequent flyer and my choice to Belgrade was Lufthansa, katar airways, Ethihad,.....
Furthermore you flew business class. Mistake. Out of here non explainable reasons you will be treated worse than economy.
In the focus of air traveling in the normal world is the customer. In the focus of air traveling in the Balkans is the referring person handling you. This is a reict from the communists time. You as a customer mean nothing.
Wow. SUPER HELPFUL in advance of my flight in a couple days and I’m also flying business. Thank you!
I'm pretty sure, that it's an internal rule of a Belgrade Airport. On website of AirSerbia there is a specific section (in FAQ), which states that mobile boarding pass is enough. And I had a flight with Turkish Airlines from Belgrade just a month ago and had the same experience. Fortunately they told me to print the boarding pass before passport control, so I loose maybe 20mins of time (to stay in queue for checkin desk). Anyway it's awful.
The same happened to my son on his way to Paris. Very frustrating and totally unreasonable.
Will I use aire serbia quite often and never had a problem further than delayed flights. I believe this is a mistake of a Newby, if you flew several times as you state, then you should know better that all precautions are necessary when flying and all the circus around airports. I always get a mobile and printed boarding pass...just a smart prevention that I will suggest you to start implementing.
The worst that...
Will I use aire serbia quite often and never had a problem further than delayed flights. I believe this is a mistake of a Newby, if you flew several times as you state, then you should know better that all precautions are necessary when flying and all the circus around airports. I always get a mobile and printed boarding pass...just a smart prevention that I will suggest you to start implementing.
The worst that happened was to be bribed by Alitalia at Fiumicino airport where they force me to pay something under the threat of not boarding and never gave a valid receipt of the payment...I was even thinking to sued them, but EU standards
Based on experience with multiple companies flying from Belgrade Airport, including Air Serbia, it is mentioned that you can check-in online but you need the bording pass printed at the airport. I agree no logic there but at least it is clear and you can set your expectations and plan accordingly. Therefore, until the airport upgrade this service, just read carefully the text during the online check in process.
Hello,
First sorry for my english, it is not my firts language.
That problem in Setbia it's not just on airports but in most of the diffrent businesses and it is frustating. People always need to wait for something.
Welcome to Serbia! ( :
Waiting room before bordin A/C never worked so I will fly nex time with any one else NOT
Air Serbia
I had the worst experience of my life with Eurowings. Never again flying with them! To be honest I'm also shocked with the staff at Düsseldorf Airport, totally unprofessional and unacceptable.
I love Air Serbia, always had a great flight with them and business class is affordable compared to other airlines and always had great service! I just don't bother with mobile check in and always check in with actual person. Sounds like this guy likes to complain
Sounds like this is a random person who posted just to defend Air Serbia, and has never seen and knows nothing about this website and traveller before.
Biased much?
In january I pay for prefer seats and the airport personnel taked and give to an another passanger
Never got my money back
We’ll,this is part of the Balkan experience.
Everything possible must be done to make the passengers’ experience frustrating and absurd.
No boarding pass issuance In the lounge??
The JU management is staffed with world class class ex JU. communist clueless morons.
I fully agree with the author and he was. Very gracious in describing his awful experience .
Even Bangladesh and India provide better service.
Shame on JU and...
We’ll,this is part of the Balkan experience.
Everything possible must be done to make the passengers’ experience frustrating and absurd.
No boarding pass issuance In the lounge??
The JU management is staffed with world class class ex JU. communist clueless morons.
I fully agree with the author and he was. Very gracious in describing his awful experience .
Even Bangladesh and India provide better service.
Shame on JU and Serbia which only happen to be located in Europe.
You sure are pretty illiterate for someone sitting on such a high horse.
Same experience with other destination, Belgrade - Istambul at same airport, Pegasus company... Therefore maybe is problem with airport not flight company or both...
I have had absolutelly the same experience flying From Belgrade to Geneva.
Responsibility???
We were traveling on 07/23/2022 and we had printed boarding pass in the city of departure. Belgrade was our transfer. So we were sent to the transfer desk with printed boarding passes because we had to check-in in Belgrade ONE MORE time and they didnt let us know in argument advance!!! Crazy and very stressful experience. My husband told them to announce their rules to everybody in the line to save people's time. They told it didn't make any sence for then(((
I flew from jfk to Belgrade and had to get printed boarding pass. On the way back I didn't bother printing. It's USA rule I think. Annoying? Sure. However, I am confused about this transfer desk comment. What transfer desk? I went to the line for NY and was there 2 hours early. It took maybe 20 min. While flying everywhere has been extra frustrating lately this story reads like "1st world problems" story. I...
I flew from jfk to Belgrade and had to get printed boarding pass. On the way back I didn't bother printing. It's USA rule I think. Annoying? Sure. However, I am confused about this transfer desk comment. What transfer desk? I went to the line for NY and was there 2 hours early. It took maybe 20 min. While flying everywhere has been extra frustrating lately this story reads like "1st world problems" story. I can't imagine most of us flying a lot didn't have major issues at one time or another (I literally missed a connecting flight at Heathrow because they insist on checking you all over again in transit and it can take over an hour to do so... and the flight to the US closed boarding an hour before the take off.)
So yes AirSerbia desk can be frustrating and if that's the worst experience you had ... relax. It can be much worse.
My experience with Air Serbia lately is exhausting. I hope they will improve. There is still construction.
Lucky, I'm wondering, what is it about my erudite posts that they rarely if ever get posted?? Am I violating some rule, or what?
Gimme an answer.
Stupid systems.
Funny enough I had the exact opposite experience with AirAsia recently. Let's just hope Spirit or Frontier won't follow this stupid way.
They apparently force everyone to download and use their mobile app. No website, No at home print. Airport counter incurs fees and lines are long. Worst part you can't even use a screenshot of it, must be moving in their app. Tony Fernandes is really screwing customers, not only they...
Stupid systems.
Funny enough I had the exact opposite experience with AirAsia recently. Let's just hope Spirit or Frontier won't follow this stupid way.
They apparently force everyone to download and use their mobile app. No website, No at home print. Airport counter incurs fees and lines are long. Worst part you can't even use a screenshot of it, must be moving in their app. Tony Fernandes is really screwing customers, not only they are not refunding passenger (hence I need to fly them to use up my credits), they are now forcing an app (which can tracks or sells your info).
I had similar experience with Air Canada in Vienna on my flight BEG-VIE-YYZ. All passengers from anywhere that were transfering in Vienna could not use neither mobile nor printed boarding passes from original destination. They needed Air Canada pass so the ArriveCan app can be verified. Funny enough, it was verified in BEG.
This is not true at all. I just took this route and did not need anything printed. But this is why I always show up 3 and a half hours in advance, to try to avoid this stuff. I'm already in line when checked bagage starts 3 hours before flight and go right to the gate right after checking my bag. Leaving just 90 minutes strikes me as a rookie mistake, not something a seasoned traveler would do.
Serbian nationalist detected
What can you expect frm a 3rd world airline coming from a Communist past? Rules come first, way ahead of any "customer-first" ethos.
Travelguy, as someone who's taken 100 flights in 2022 so far, your comment strikes me as indicating you are the rookie traveller, tell me any sensible frequent traveler who sits at a gate for 3 hours, I certainly never will.
That said I collect a boarding pass for every flight (I travel pretty much exclusively with carry on only) but I like the paper backup, takes me less than 5 mins to get and it's easier to work with when boarding
Well, I work at an airport in Australia. All flights to the US from Australia will require a manual paper boarding pass or Pre-US screening. No paper boarding pass NO GO! The good news is airline staff will print you out one at the boarding gate.
Believe it or not, I had a very similar issue about 3 years ago where my mobile boarding pass on my phone was NOT accepted to even go through security at the Zagreb Airport - for an Air Canada flight. They told me to go back to the counter to get a printed one - however, the check-in for Air Canada had already closed, and the signs had changed to Emirates. Thus, the agents could...
Believe it or not, I had a very similar issue about 3 years ago where my mobile boarding pass on my phone was NOT accepted to even go through security at the Zagreb Airport - for an Air Canada flight. They told me to go back to the counter to get a printed one - however, the check-in for Air Canada had already closed, and the signs had changed to Emirates. Thus, the agents could not re-login into Air Canada's system to print me one. I was used to doing carry-on only and I never had expected an airport authority to not accept a mobile boarding pass to go through security. I work in the airline industry and travel often - only the Zagreb Airport, I had experienced this issue (once). Eventually, they let me through. But good to know about Air Serbia...and I travel with them sometimes also. I hope they'll get that worked out soon.
It would have been probably much faster to get the print from the business check-in counter in the departed hall; before entering airside, now we know about that fact, respectively leaving airside and then pass security control a second time.
It's the same policy TK has, only difference is that if you are traveling to the US with them you can't even check-in online. They require you to physically show up at the check-in, stand in line (usually a long time) only to get a printed boarding pass.
Air Serbia has this for a reason, they need to check that all the information is put in properly as they were fined in the past by the US authorities.
You know, all of this could have been avoided had you just waited that half an hour for the check-in counter to open.
Do you often check-in,a second time, at a desk after youve checked in online and been issued a boarding pass?
Maybe its the rest of us who are weird in taking the approach of "ive completed the check-in process once. I dont feel the need to do it again".
The desks could've already been open and I wouldve walked straight past them due to the fact id already checked in for the flight.
Its the airlines stupidity/ IT failures at fault here. Nobody else's
From Lucky's own words in his review of the lounge:
"I quickly spotted that there was a special check-in area for flights to New York. However, the counter wouldn’t open until 4:50AM, so I just decided to head straight through security, since I only had carry-ons and already had a mobile boarding pass.
This probably ended up being a mistake, but more on that in the next post."
It's not airline stupidity, it's passenger stupidity....
From Lucky's own words in his review of the lounge:
"I quickly spotted that there was a special check-in area for flights to New York. However, the counter wouldn’t open until 4:50AM, so I just decided to head straight through security, since I only had carry-ons and already had a mobile boarding pass.
This probably ended up being a mistake, but more on that in the next post."
It's not airline stupidity, it's passenger stupidity. Always good to have a back-up just in case.
Untrue.
If you've already checked in, it's not "passenger stupidity" to not need to check in again.
They also have a separate business class check-in. If you're business class already checked in online, would that make you think you should check in again? Of course not.
So you say.
Better to be safe than sorry.
Printing out a boarding pass does take time. Especially if you line up at check in. I think after how many 100 flights Ben probably came out ahead (along with the rest of us mobile boarding people) by not printing all his passes.
In terms of automation I agree these snaffles are really frustrating. In Italy if you buy online tickets eg the uffizi, you often still have to line up to collect them...
Printing out a boarding pass does take time. Especially if you line up at check in. I think after how many 100 flights Ben probably came out ahead (along with the rest of us mobile boarding people) by not printing all his passes.
In terms of automation I agree these snaffles are really frustrating. In Italy if you buy online tickets eg the uffizi, you often still have to line up to collect them lollll.
And why is it almost impossible to do a PIR online when the airline loses your bag?! Lining up with 100s of people who each take 3-4 mins with the agent to create a pir is sooooo frustrating
Flying to the US I always stop at the check in desk to ensure I don't need a paper boarding pass. This is regardless of any airline or departure location. Half the time even with a mobile boarding pass I'm told "yes you do need a paper boarding pass"
3+ decades of flying International and I've seen it all which is why I don't take anything to chance
You should learn a lesson here
Serbia has an airline? The airline has a transfer desk? What a country!
Finnair pulled the same trick on me in Dallas. No paper boarding pass, no flight. They don't tell you until you try to board, and then they have only two agents slowly printing out passes for several dozen passengers. But at least it's at the gate.
What an odd way to start a post...of course they do, like any other country in the world.
Don't listen Bob...he is probably an american.....
Bob, what an idiotic comment.
JAT was one of the most prestigous airlines in Europe and considering current US airliners it would still be much better than any of your ihop-flyers. Get a brain FFS.
Bob was sarcastic. Stop being offended and learn the language.
Terrible.
I like paper as souvenirs so I never use a mobile boarding pass.
Next time I see Novak Djokovic, who I see frequently, I will let him know. Mention him in Serbia and you will be saluted. :)
Always get a printed boarding pass if I can. Don't trust my phone 100%. What if it goes low battery or some sudden glitch happens?
@Tizz - Take a photo of your BP for backup.
Which she and display on the phone that doesn't work....
@Jorge - if she has a dead battery, of course not but I can’t imagine she would make that rookie error. The bigger issue is if the signal is weak inside the terminal. But if you love paper, then forget the advice. Paper is fun!
I always check-in online, or mobile, just to confirm I have the right seat, and tha tthe flight is actually going in these chaotic times.
I go to the check-in desk for a paper BP, and often have to receive pre-booked special assistance.
Also the paper BP can be asked for at various points in the airport pretty randomly, and it is more convenient to show rather than something on your phone.
Icland Air from Paris CDG to Washington the worst ever service experience .
But I suppose it was the CDG airport stuff that was checking -in the flight is to blame.
Hundred of passengers for like 3 check-in stands.
I almost missed the flight too.
In some countries you still need a printed TICKET to get through airport. But as a general rule when flying internationally I have a printed boarding pass or ask the check in agents whether I need one. It is not always airlines but local immigration or airport regulations. Qatar Airways seems to be good about this. When there is a document check required you will be issued a CHECK IN CONFIRMATION rather than a Boarding...
In some countries you still need a printed TICKET to get through airport. But as a general rule when flying internationally I have a printed boarding pass or ask the check in agents whether I need one. It is not always airlines but local immigration or airport regulations. Qatar Airways seems to be good about this. When there is a document check required you will be issued a CHECK IN CONFIRMATION rather than a Boarding Pass, and they tell you very clearly that this is not a boarding pass and you need to have a printed one for departure.
Always print a boarding pass at your hotel. You likely don't need it but have it just in case. Lots of things can go wrong with mobile boarding passes and it is always good IMHO to have a back up. Shocked someone that travels as much as Ben doesn't do this.
What's the point of providing passengers a mobile BOARDING pass if it can't be used to board?
I was thinking of the same thing.
I think that is just a included feauture on website, but you can't use it for some flights. Fr example WY do give digital boarding passes, but they can't be used in SIN(When they used to fly there) as security won't allow it.
Welcome to Serbia ( from a Serb). Honestly, it does drive me insane how slow desk agents are here everywhere. But as we say in Serbia, it's coffee time! Coffee first, customers second it third.
Perhaps using your mobile app wasn't possible for some technical snafu reason and that this printing of the boarding pass was an extraordinary measure. Other than that, I got nothing.
I flew from Belgrade a few months ago.
I had a mobile boarding pass (easyjet) but was asked by security to have a printed one, so I had to queue at the check it counter first. There are a few airports throughout the world that do not accept mobile boarding pass (Tunisia, Kosovo,...) So it looks like to me, the person at security did not do their job, and you should have been told to go check in first.
Or just have your printed boarding pass with you next time, or check if it's required.
I always do that and thankfully never had to wait in a long line because of my own fault.
How was this his fault? He checked in on the phone, the phone is a boarding pass. Nowhere did it say this is a temporary or fake boarding pass
Why didn't you go to the biz lounge, seems that is the best first course of action.
He did. He wrote about that in his article. The agent said that there was nothing that could be done except to go to the transfer desk.
You should never assume that every airline and airport in the world is run effectively. He should have printed the boarding pass at his hotel. I don't print boarding passes in the US for domestic travel but ALWAYS have a printed boarding pass (usually from the business center at my hotel) for international flights. To do otherwise is asking for problems such as this. Sorry people everything doesn't fit into your idea of how things...
You should never assume that every airline and airport in the world is run effectively. He should have printed the boarding pass at his hotel. I don't print boarding passes in the US for domestic travel but ALWAYS have a printed boarding pass (usually from the business center at my hotel) for international flights. To do otherwise is asking for problems such as this. Sorry people everything doesn't fit into your idea of how things should be and all the complaining in the world (e.g., "what good is an online boarding pass if you can't use it") doesn't do a bit of good if caught in a situation such as this. I typically anticipate areas that could be problems and ensure I've got a "plan B". Any reasonable traveler should do likewise.
@AC: Efficiently?
Happened to me a couple of times in Moscow-Domodedowo (DME) - they simply need the printed boarding pass to put a lot of stamps on it at passport control. But at least in DME you have easy to use boarding pass printers at the security check which scan your mobile boarding pass and issue a paper boarding pass …
Had this happen to me when flying Sri Lankan and transiting through Colombo.
I’ve experienced this in other countries too. I traveled enough to realize that unless I’m in US or Western Europe, I should print out my boarding pass just in case.
There is nothing on the website to imply you need a printed boarding pass. It mentions Krasnodar :
https://www.airserbia.com/en/information/pre-flight/check-in/online-check-in
At the gate, at their own hub, they don’t have the appropriate scanners ?
The lounge should also be able to handle the same issues as the transfer counter.
I’ve never used a mobile boarding pass in an international airport when returning to the US. I’ll check in online but always re check at the airline counter for a physical boarding pass.
Last time I was in BEG for my flight to LJU with JU was quiet funny exprience. I was sitting in Air Serbia Premium Lounge entered with my Priority Pass. Flight for LJU was departing at the gate next to the lounge. About 20 minutes before the departure time lounge agent came to me and told me that the flight was leaving and I should go to the gate immediately. I went to the gate...
Last time I was in BEG for my flight to LJU with JU was quiet funny exprience. I was sitting in Air Serbia Premium Lounge entered with my Priority Pass. Flight for LJU was departing at the gate next to the lounge. About 20 minutes before the departure time lounge agent came to me and told me that the flight was leaving and I should go to the gate immediately. I went to the gate to found out that I will be last one to board, while monitor still displays “On Time, Go to Gate”. I asked the angry gate agent why they haven’t displayed “Final Call” or at least “Boarding” and he replied in a way more friendly tone “In BEG you should ask us when the plane will leave”. He then looked the duty free bag with brandy that I have bought and told me that is a good and wished me a trip in the manner, that we where friends. I just board the bus and two minutes later we departed towards remote stands.
If you are chilling away from the gate with no care in the world less than 20 minutes before departure that is your fault. Gate agent was correct to be mad. Nonchalant ppl like you make his job more annoying and delay everyone else who got to the gate on time. Some ppl are legit late....you just think everyone should have to wait for you.
No matter where I'm flying, I ALWAYS ask for and get a paper boarding pass. I truly cannot believe there are people who rely solely on their phone to get them on the airplane. Stuck in the 20th Century? Yes, but I'm not stuck in line at the transfer desk.
I try to always print out my boarding pass and I was wondering whether anyone else would point out the advantage of having a printed backup:-)
Thank you Dempseyzdad
Fo you also print out and carry copies of your passport?
and visa?
and credit card?
and car title?
‘cos you never know
I think this is a valid point when traveling internationally and encountering foreign standards, systems, and immigration agents, but for domestic flying there's very little reason to need a paper boarding pass. I've been flying exclusively with mobile boarding passes from Alaska for 4 years now and there has never once been a problem.
When travelling internationally I always get the printed boarding passes - just in case - and these boarding passes make for nice bookmarks
It’s always a bit crazy in these days of great and redundant automated systems, that these hurdles remain. Somewhat related is the policy of airlines I fly of insisting the passport be checked at the checkin counter for an international flight. It defeats the purpose of checking in online and showing up with a mobile boarding pass. The passport number is on file with the airline, it is scanned by security prior to entering the...
It’s always a bit crazy in these days of great and redundant automated systems, that these hurdles remain. Somewhat related is the policy of airlines I fly of insisting the passport be checked at the checkin counter for an international flight. It defeats the purpose of checking in online and showing up with a mobile boarding pass. The passport number is on file with the airline, it is scanned by security prior to entering the gate area and then scanned again before boarding but someone needs to look at it a fourth time, which often requires a long wait, even in the priority checkin lines.
Could not agree more. I've complained about this same thing every time I go abroad. And DL seems to be the worst offender. Why can't these nitwits get their IT sorted out? Or do they simply not trust their employees to read?
Yep, totally agree with you. And then sometimes it works almost too well. I flew in the same day HEL-OSL-FRA-ARN-HEL without anyone checking any ID. Four countries and no one was interested who I am. Preprinted boarding passes and no luggage. All flights on SAS. No ID check even during boarding.
Dial 1-800-whhaaaaaaaaaaaa
I mean really. This is worthy of a post?
I enjoyed every minute reading this post.
If you don't enjoy some of the posts it's fine
but leave your negative comments out.
“I mean really. This is worthy of a post?”
And yet you read it, and left a comment no less, and a stupid, dunderheaded comment at that.
Never comment here again, and the world will be a much better place.
As someone who does embrace technology and time saving convienes, I’d say this is a useful heads up for those not familiar with this airline.
yes, this story is worth the post (and my time to read) - as I plan my travels; thank you Lucky for the reminder on having printed boarding passes (that make for pleasant souvenir bookmarks)
A popular traditional Serbian song is a lament called “Daj Mi Čašu Rakije” (“Give Me A Glass of Whiskey”). Given the JAT-like bureaucracy you just experienced, you might want to heed its verse as a coping mechanism if you ever decide to return…
Its Serbia, a very bureaucratic country.
It is stories like these where i realize we dont have it bad at all here in the states. Even LGA at its worst isnt this bad.
You're spoiled. If you think Serbia is bad, try China. Actually, recently, was in Greece and it was horrible. 1 gate agent for the entire plane. No special lanes for babies, kids, elderly and such. At least in Serbia, at the check in, they'll let you through with a baby screaming.
I flew from Seattle to London to Athens via American and British Airways. I had printed boarding passes from Seattle on AA. When I got to London and transfer to BA, I had to wait in long lines just to get a new BA boarding pass because the T5 machine wouldn't take an AA boarding pass from Seattle. So, this happens not just in Belgrade. It happens even when you have printed boarding passes from supposedly seamless partners!
Apple can’t be compared with orange. His case is for airline’s flagship flight and it is operated by airline itself.