When purchasing tickets for events, travelers often have the choice between getting a mobile ticket or a print-at-home ticket. While both ticket types allow you to have a digital version of your ticket that doesn’t require visiting a ticket office, there are some key differences between mobile tickets and print-at-home tickets.
What is a mobile ticket?
A mobile ticket, sometimes called a digital ticket, is a ticket that is delivered directly to your smartphone as a scannable barcode or QR code. When you purchase a mobile ticket, the ticket barcode is either sent to you via text message or email or is accessible through an app. As long as you have your smartphone when you arrive at the venue, you can display your mobile ticket barcode on your phone screen for the ticket taker to scan.
Benefits of mobile tickets
- Convenient – You don’t need to print anything out or carry an extra piece of paper.
- Hard to lose – The ticket is associated with your phone and account.
- Go green – No need for paper tickets.
- Contactless entry – Just hold up your phone to be scanned.
- Difficult to counterfeit – Barcodes are unique to each ticket.
Potential downsides of mobile tickets
- Requires smartphone and Internet connection
- Battery life concerns
- Small screens can make barcodes hard to scan
- App or account issues could prevent access
What is a print-at-home ticket?
A print-at-home ticket, sometimes called an e-ticket, is a ticket that is delivered to you digitally as a PDF file. After purchasing a print-at-home ticket online, you can print out the PDF file on regular printer paper and bring it with you to the event. The PDF will have all the standard ticket information on it and a barcode that can be scanned when you arrive.
Benefits of print-at-home tickets
- No smartphone required
- Simple printing on plain paper
- Can print as many copies as needed
- No battery or technical concerns
- Full-size page is easy to handle and scan
Potential downsides of print-at-home tickets
- Must have access to printer
- Easy to lose paper copy
- Less environmentally friendly
- Risk of damaged barcode if wet
- Easier to counterfeit than mobile
Key Differences
While mobile tickets and print-at-home tickets are both digital alternatives to traditional paper tickets, there are some notable differences between the two formats:
Factor | Mobile Ticket | Print-at-Home Ticket |
---|---|---|
Delivery Method | Via text, email, or app | PDF file |
Display Method | On smartphone screen | Printed on paper |
Internet Required? | Yes, to display ticket | No |
Smartphone Required? | Yes | No |
Printer Required? | No | Yes |
Entry Process | Scan smartphone | Scan paper ticket |
Duplicates | Not possible | Can print multiples |
Environmental Impact | Low | Medium |
Durability Concerns | Battery life, technical issues | Paper can get wet/damaged |
When to Choose Mobile Tickets
Mobile tickets tend to be the best option in these situations:
- You always have your smartphone and don’t mind bringing it
- You want the convenience of a completely digital experience
- You don’t have easy access to a printer
- You prefer not using paper when possible
- You only need 1-2 tickets maximum
When to Choose Print-at-Home Tickets
Print-at-home tickets tend to work better in these cases:
- You don’t want to risk technical issues with your phone
- You need multiple tickets for a group
- You have unreliable phone battery life
- You find mobile screens hard to handle or scan
- You don’t always have your phone on you
Tips for Using Mobile Tickets
If you opt for mobile tickets, here are some tips for smooth entry to your event:
- Save your ticket to your phone’s wallet/passbook if possible
- Take a screenshot of your ticket as a backup
- Check your phone battery – charge fully before heading out
- Download the event/airline/transport app ahead of time if needed
- Test scanning your barcode before you go
- Enable airplane mode to avoid app refreshing issues
- Brighten your screen when showing your ticket
- Zoom in on your barcode for easy scanning
Tips for Using Print-at-Home Tickets
If print-at-home is your choice, keep these tips in mind:
- Print on clean, white paper for maximum clarity
- Use color printing if possible – black and white is harder to scan
- Cut neatly along borders and don’t fold barcodes
- Laminate tickets for waterproofing if you have access
- Print multiple copies in case tickets are misplaced
- Store printed tickets carefully to avoid crumpling
- Put tickets in a protective plastic sleeve or folder
Conclusion
Mobile tickets and print-at-home tickets each have their own pros and cons. Mobile tickets are best for tech-savvy users who always have their smartphones, while print-at-home allows you to have paper backups and avoid phone issues. Consider factors like your needs, resources, and priorities when deciding between the two. With smart preparation, both digital ticket formats can get you into your event smoothly and conveniently.