Passbook SUCKS

[mrgraff]

The problem is that people are misundersanding what Passbook is. It is not an app for *acquiring* cards/passes etc. It is only an electronic wallet that makes managing them easier. There are several ways to add cards, e.g. by downloading Passbook files with Safari, receive them as an attachment in an email, or through an app like United.

Another problem is that people are misunderstanding that in fact, you don't actually use Passbook per se. You're not really supposed to open it all the time and do something with it - more like Passbook is supposed to open it itself when needed and present a card or pass of some sort that is relevant to your current location and/or situation.

You use the third-party apps and websites to create Passbook passes, but also to browse locations, learn about the company, and other assorted things that you used to do before Passbook. Passbook is designed to prevent you from fumbling through the app, website, email they sent you, or screenshot you saved, when you just need the pass, gift card, or loyalty card, etc.

 

[cynics]

Usually you can check in starting 24 hours before departure (you will then see a button in the app). The boarding pass will become available once you complete the check-in.

That must be it. Thanks again!

 

[esco]

OK, so let me ask you. I entered my confirmation number for my flight into the united airlines app. It sees I have a reservation. Now what?

In the united airlines app it has a reservation but there is no mobile boarding pass or anything.

Half of the confusion for me is I had no idea what passbook was. To find out it relies on crappy third party apps is disappointing...

Hey cynics,

Sorry I wasn't able to respond sooner, just got off my flight. Looks like Rigby took care of most of the explaining, but to add some things:

I always check in from home or my phone and I don't check in any luggage, so it's convenient for me to just go straight to security instead of stopping at a kiosk. If you're one of those people who likes to go green, this is also a nice option compared to printing at home.

When checking in, you should be given an option to either print your boarding pass, have it emailed or get a mobile boarding pass. I always choose the mobile boarding pass and it becomes available in the United app. Not sure how to make it available if you chose print or email...

Once it's in my app, I clicked "add to passbook" and it showed up in the passbook. One could say this is a lot of steps just for it show up in the passbook, and I'd agree. But I usually do it at home after already having checked in the night before. NFC would be great, but even if it had it, airlines don't support it - only barcodes (that I'm aware of at least. Star Alliance and Sky Team airlines use barcodes.)

If you usually check in at the counter or check your bags, you'll always get the paper boarding pass. Before, I'd usually shove mine in my bag and scrounge around for it later, whereas I always know my phone is in my pocket. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Rigby]

Not sure how to make it available if you chose print or email...

You can check in again through the app and this time choose the electronic boarding pass. Currently there is no way to directly get the emailed version into Passbook (because they don't send a Passbook file, but just an email with an embedded image of the barcode).

Once it's in my app, I clicked "add to passbook" and it showed up in the passbook. One could say this is a lot of steps just for it show up in the passbook, and I'd agree.

Yes, but the steps are the same whether you use Passbook or emailed/self-printed boarding passes.

If you usually check in at the counter or check your bags, you'll always get the paper boarding pass. Before, I'd usually shove mine in my bag and scrounge around for it later, whereas I always know my phone is in my pocket. Different strokes for different folks.

Yep. BTW, if you have to check baggage, there are usually separate drop-off counters with much shorter lines for people who have already checked in online, so it's still an advantage.

 

[cynics]

Cool, thanks esco and rigby. I'll try it when I go on my trip

 

[Ramius]

I have a flight ticket with Ryan Air next month. How do I proceed to get this ticket into Passbook?

 

[Rigby]

I have a flight ticket with Ryan Air next month. How do I proceed to get this ticket into Passbook?

You can't. Ryanair does not support any kind of electronic boarding pass. You have to print it on paper (and if you don't, they charge you a ridiculous "re-issue fee" at the airport).

 

[HarryAinslie]

You can't. Ryanair does not support any kind of electronic boarding pass. You have to print it on paper (and if you don't, they charge you a ridiculous "re-issue fee" at the airport).

Ryanair are an absolute nightmare to fly with if you want things to run smoothly with electronic passes!

I don't understand how something so easy and simply is so hard for them to integrate into their system!

I would have at least thought they'd have a Ryanair app to use a check in.

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

Passbook seemed like a good idea in theory. But it doesn't seem like there has been a large number of retailers/companies that have adopted it. It just doesn't seemed to have taken off the way i think Apple had imagined it.