On a ticket and boarding pass there are five key details: the booking reference (6 characters), the flight number, the airline that operates the flight ("operated by"), the gate with the boarding time, and your boarding group. Knowing how to read them saves you a dash to the wrong gate and, if something goes wrong, gives you everything you need to claim compensation. Here is what each item means.
Ticket and boarding pass: the difference
The ticket (or booking confirmation) is the email you get when you buy the flight: it is proof of your contract with the airline and shows the booking reference and the e-ticket number. The boarding pass comes after check-in, online or at the airport: it is what you show at security and at the gate, with your seat, gate and boarding time. Keep both until the end of the trip, and afterwards too.
The boarding pass, item by item
| Item | Example | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Booking reference (PNR) | 6 letters and numbers, for example K7XQ2B | Managing your booking, checking in, making a claim |
| Flight number | The 2-character airline code and a number, for example EI 1234 | Tracking the flight and identifying it in a claim |
| Operated by | The name of the airline that operates the flight | Knowing who pays compensation |
| From / To | 3-letter airport codes, for example DUB, LHR, STN | Checking you have the right airport and terminal |
| Boarding time | Usually 30-40 minutes before departure | Being at the gate in time: once it closes, you cannot board |
| Gate | A letter and number, for example B12 | Where to board; it can change, so watch the screens |
| Boarding group or zone | A number or letter, or "Priority" | The order in which passengers board |
| Seat | Row and letter, for example 14C | Your seat |
| Sequence number | A running number, for example SEQ 087 | Your check-in order; used by the airline |
The e-ticket also shows the ticket number, 13 digits long: the first 3 identify the airline that issued it. The barcode or QR code holds the same details in a format scanners can read.
"Operated by": why it matters for compensation
With codeshare flights, a flight sold by one airline can be operated by another: your boarding pass will say "operated by" followed by the airline actually flying the plane. Under Regulation EC 261/2004, compensation is paid by the operating carrier, the one that flies the aircraft, not the one that sold you the ticket. For the same reason, check-in and baggage often follow the operating airline's rules, so check its website.
How to check your boarding pass before you fly
- Check your name: it must match your passport or ID card.
- Check the date, airport and terminal: London alone has several airports, and Heathrow has several terminals.
- Note the boarding time, not just departure: the gate closes earlier.
- Watch the airport screens: the gate can change after check-in.
- Save your boarding pass on your phone or print it, and keep it after the flight.
To find out in real time whether your flight is on schedule, read our guide to checking flight status in real time.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled
Your booking reference, flight number and boarding pass are exactly what you need to claim compensation. If you arrived 3 hours or more late, your flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or you were denied boarding, you may be owed €250, €400 or €600 per passenger. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes: you pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated. Start from our delayed flight or cancelled flight page.
Frequently asked questions about reading a flight ticket
Where do I find my booking reference?
In your confirmation email and on your boarding pass: it is a 6-character code of letters and numbers, also called the PNR.
What is the difference between boarding time and departure time?
Boarding time is when boarding starts, usually 30-40 minutes earlier; departure time is when the aircraft leaves the gate.
What does "operated by" mean on my ticket?
That the flight is flown by a different airline from the one that sold it. That operating airline is the one that must pay any compensation.
Is the gate on my boarding pass final?
No, it can change: always check the airport screens or the airline's app.
Should I keep my boarding pass after the flight?
Yes: it proves you were on board and helps with claims for baggage, delays or cancellations.
Work out your compensation now
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Find out more
- Air passenger rights
- Delayed flight: when you can claim compensation
- Cancelled flight: refund and compensation
- Overbooking: what you are owed
- What our service costs
Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.