Don't toss your boarding pass.
It could be a discount book in disguise
You’ve made it through TSA without losing a shoe, the flight was only moderately delayed, and your bag (miraculously) didn’t get rerouted to Timbuktu. You’re finally on vacation. But before you crumple up that boarding pass and shove it into the abyss of your tote bag, hold up. That unassuming slip of paper—or screenshot if you're living in the 21st century—might just be the golden ticket to savings.
Turns out, a bunch of airlines have been quietly turning boarding passes into backstage passes for travel perks: discounted spas, free cocktails, theme park access, ski lift tickets, and shopping deals that’ll have your suitcase bursting at the seams.
Here's how to turn your ticket into treasure.
Alaska Airlines: From Plane Seat to Ski Lift
If you’re flying Alaska Airlines into one of several snowy destinations in North America, keep that boarding pass handy—it doubles as a same-day lift ticket at ski resorts across Alaska, Washington, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, and British Columbia.
How it works:
- Score a free lift ticket the day you land at places like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY (only 30 minutes from the airport).
- Some resorts even throw in gear rental discounts or storage.
- Resorts like SkiBig3 in Banff offer discounted rentals instead of free lift passes.
Catch: It’s gotta be the same day you fly in, so don’t dilly-dally. For resort-specific rules and blackout dates, head to Alaska Airlines’ website.
Asiana Airlines: The “Magic Boarding Pass” That Sprinkles Discounts Like Confetti
Asiana’s “Magic Boarding Pass” gives you a VIP pass to savings across South Korea (and other spots on their network). It’s like a tourist cheat code.
Perks:
- 30% off at Coex Aquarium, Seoul
- 10% off tickets to Jeongdong Theater
- Free drinks at partner restaurants
Just flash your pass like you’re royalty. Full discount list is on Asiana’s site—it’s practically a shopping spree waiting to happen.
British Airways: Tea, Trinkets, and Treats in London
Flying into London? British Airways boarding passes unlock the door to some seriously swanky shopping and sipping.
Perks include:
- 15% off at Bentley & Skinner Jewelers and Hackett British Menswear
- 10% off at Floris British Perfumers
- Hotel Café Royal throws in a free glass of Champagne with afternoon tea
- Ham Yard Hotel? A complimentary cocktail with your meal
Because jet lag is easier to manage with a martini in hand, or cup of Earl Grey.
Emirates: Your Boarding Pass, But Make It Glam
Emirates runs a dreamy “My Emirates Pass” program that turns your boarding pass into a savings bonanza across Dubai and the UAE.
Deals galore:
- Up to 30% off spa treatments at luxury hotels
- Buy-one-get-one or discounted entry to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium, and Wild Wadi Waterpark
- Discounts at over 500 restaurants, shops, and attractions
All you need? Your boarding pass (printed or digital) and an ID. It’s basically your Dubai VIP card.
Etihad Airways: Discounts So Good, They’re “Extraordinary”
Fly into Abu Dhabi and your Etihad boarding pass becomes the “Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass.”
Score up to:
- 25% off hotel stays, spas, and restaurants
- 15% off at Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros World
- Up to 25% off beach and pool access
Note: Offers are valid for 30 days after your Etihad flight. Plan accordingly—or just stay 30 days. Tempting, right?
Korean Air: “Excellent Boarding Pass” = Excellent Discounts
Korean Air isn’t messing around with their “Excellent Boarding Pass” promo.
What’s in store:
- 30% off Lotte World indoor theme park
- 25% off DMZ tours
- Free Shake Shack drinks (yes, really)
- Discounts on accommodations in Okinawa, cruises in Paris, and more
Valid up to one month post-flight with photo ID. Paper or digital pass works, so screenshot like your travel perks depend on it—because they do.
Turkish Airlines: Sightsee Like a Local (or a Very Lucky Tourist)
Turkish Airlines wants to make your Istanbul layover count.
Perks to perk you up:
- Touristanbul: Free guided city tours (includes a traditional Turkish meal)
- Stopover in Istanbul: A free night in a 4-star hotel—just check eligibility and book ahead
- Hotel & Afternoon Tea Deals: 15% off the historic Pera Palace Hotel, 10% off their fancy tea service
Boarding pass is valid for 15 days from your flight date, so act fast.
Singapore Airlines: Kris+ App = Worldwide Deals
Singapore Airlines used to shower you with perks via your boarding pass. Now it’s all digital thanks to their Kris+ app.
Highlights:
- Dining deals with free cocktails, desserts, even full bottles of wine
- Offers across Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, South Korea, and the U.S.
- Over 1,000 participating merchants
You’ll need a free KrisFlyer account to claim, but hey—free wine is worth the sign-up.
From slope-side lifts in Jackson Hole to sippin’ Champagne in London, your boarding pass might be the MVP of your trip. So next time you land, don’t toss it—treat it like a mini golden ticket. You never know when that piece of paper (or phone screenshot) might turn into a spa day, a ski trip, or a swanky night out on the town.
Your future vacation self will thank you.
Happy travels!