Passport holders have been urged to change a key phone setting before arriving at airports to travel, as failing to do so could see them facing delays in queues. According to travel experts, a dim screen is one of the most common reasons boarding passes fail to scan at the gate.
Why Your Phone Screen Matters
William Thackray, IT expert at AGT Computer Services, explained that scanners need a clear, bright image to read a barcode or QR code reliably. In bright airport lighting, a screen that is at its default brightness or dimmed to save battery can cause a failed scan. He said, 'It sounds trivial, but it holds up the queue and it's completely avoidable.'
Simple Tweaks to Make Before You Leave
Before leaving home, drag your screen brightness to maximum. On an iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to access the Control Centre and pull the brightness slider to the top. For Android, swipe down from the top of the screen and do the same.
Additionally, Thackray recommends a few other quick changes to make the airport experience smoother:
- Screenshot your boarding pass: Don't rely on an app that needs a signal or Wi-Fi connection. A screenshot lives on your phone and opens instantly.
- Turn off auto-lock: If your screen goes dark mid-queue, you'll be unlocking your phone and reopening your boarding pass with a line of people behind you. Go to Settings > Display and bump your screen timeout up to at least two to three minutes before you travel.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged: Some airports, especially when travelling to the US, may ask you to power up your device at security. A dead phone can mean real delays or additional screening.
Thackray added, 'None of these things take more than a minute to sort before you leave the house. But, on a busy travel day, that one minute of prep can be the difference between breezing through and being that person holding everyone up.'
Previously, tourists were also advised to take passport action before travelling to reduce the risk of problems at the airport.
