Qr Code Ticketing for Events

With Passage, you can easily check in guests by scanning their tickets when they arrive at your event. Every ticket created on Passage contains a secure QR code that holds all the information you need to know about a guest’s transaction. 

You can also use Guest List mode to check guests in. If a guest loses or damages their ticket so it can no longer be scanned, you can still admit them by looking up their transaction by name.

If you’re curious how QR codes work or just want to better understand QR code ticketing, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into QR codes: what they are, how they’re used, and the pros and cons of using them for your event tickets.  

What is a QR Code?

The “QR” in QR code stands for Quick Response. Like a barcode that you might use at the grocery store, QR codes are used to store information which can then be read by machines. QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes, which means they can store a significant amount of information, and that information can be quickly retrieved when scanned. This makes them both powerful and fast, which is useful in a variety of settings but especially when it comes to event ticketing.

How are QR Codes Used in Ticketing?

QR codes can be used as a method of delivering and validating tickets for various events, transportation, or services. They can store ticket details, seat numbers, event information, and more. 

Here's How QR Code Ticketing Works:

1. Ticket Generation: Event organizers or service providers generate QR codes containing relevant information about the ticket holder's reservation or purchase.
2. Distribution: The generated QR codes are then distributed to customers through various channels, such as email, mobile apps, or printed on physical tickets.
3. Customer Access: Upon arrival at the event or service point, customers present their QR codes for scanning. This can be done using a dedicated ticket scanner device or a mobile app with a built-in QR code reader.
4. Validation: The QR code is scanned, and the information is quickly validated against the organizer's database. If the QR code is valid and corresponds to a legitimate reservation or purchase, the customer is granted access.

How to Scan a Ticket with a QR Code

To start scanning tickets, open the Passage Manager app on your iOS or Android device and log in with your Passage account email and password. Then, tap the "Check In" tab at the bottom of the screen on iOS. The app uses the device's built-in camera to scan. Center the customer's barcode on the screen and tap to scan. If scanning in the dark, you can turn on the device's flash by toggling the lightning bolt icon on screen.

With Quick Scan turned on (toggled to the right) scanning the QR code will simply return a green checkmark for a valid ticket, or a red X for an invalid ticket.

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​X means there are no passes on the scanned ticket that are unused and match the conditions selected (event, ticket type, and time slot). 

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​✓ means ONE available pass has been redeemed for the conditions selected (event, ticket type, and time slot). Tap the screen to continue redeeming passes for the number of customers entering, or until the scan returns a red X. 

You can also turn Quick Scan mode off and display a guest’s entire order on the screen with each scan. 

Benefits of QR Code Ticketing 

1. Convenience: Customers can easily carry their tickets on their mobile devices, reducing the need for physical tickets or printed documents.
2. Efficiency: Quick scanning of QR codes speeds up the entry process, reducing wait times for attendees.
3. Flexibility: Event details, seat assignments, and other information can be encoded in the QR code, making it a versatile solution for various types of events and services.
4. Security: QR codes can include encrypted information, adding a layer of security to the ticketing process and reducing the risk of fraud.

QR code ticketing has become increasingly popular in the entertainment industry, transportation services, and other sectors where ticketing is required. It provides a more streamlined and efficient way to manage entry while offering convenience to your guests.

What Happens if a QR Code Can’t Be Scanned?

Sometimes a QR code cannot be scanned because a guest’s printed ticket has been ripped or otherwise destroyed, and they may not have a backup on their phone. 

If this happens at one of your events, don’t worry! You can still check the guest in using the Guest List on Passage. 

Guest List contains a searchable database of every ticket purchaser for your event. Simply start typing in the guest’s name and tap it on the list. 

QR Codes vs. Barcodes: Which is Better for Ticketing?

QR codes and traditional barcodes serve similar purposes as they both encode information that can be quickly scanned and read by a device. However, QR codes offer several advantages over traditional barcodes, making them a preferred choice in various applications. Here are some reasons why QR codes are considered better than barcodes in certain contexts:

Data Capacity

• QR Code: QR codes can store much more information compared to traditional barcodes. QR codes are two-dimensional and can hold alphanumeric characters, making them suitable for encoding large amounts of data, such as website links, contact information, or detailed ticketing information.
• Barcode: Traditional barcodes are one-dimensional and have a limited capacity for data storage. They are typically used for encoding numerical data only.

Design

• QR Code: QR codes have a more versatile design, allowing them to be customized with various patterns and colors without affecting their functionality. This makes QR codes aesthetically adaptable to different branding requirements.
• Barcode: Traditional barcodes have a more rigid design, and altering their appearance might impact their scanning accuracy. They are usually black and white, limiting design options.

Scanning Speed

• QR Code: QR codes can be scanned more quickly and accurately than traditional barcodes. The design of QR codes allows for faster detection, and they can be scanned from various angles.
• Barcode: Traditional barcodes may require more precise alignment and slower scanning speeds for accurate reading.

Versatility

• QR Code: QR codes can store various types of information, including URLs, text, contact details, and more. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications beyond simple identification.
• Barcode: Traditional barcodes are mainly used for encoding numerical data and lack the flexibility to store different types of information.

Error Correction

• QR Code: QR codes often include error correction mechanisms, allowing them to remain readable even if part of the code is damaged or obscured. This enhances their reliability in real-world usage.
• Barcode: Traditional barcodes may not have built-in error correction, making them more susceptible to reading errors in case of damage or distortion.

It’s important to note that the choice between a barcode and QR code comes down to your individual preferences and requirements. QR codes clearly offer a lot of benefits, but there are still some applications where a traditional barcode might work as well or better. Ultimately, you should choose the technology that best meets your needs and is easy for guests to use. 

Final Thoughts

While the technology behind QR codes might seem complicated, in practice QR codes are simple to use. They offer both event organizers & attendees an easy, secure option for admission. 

At Passage, we use QR code ticketing for exactly those reasons: it’s a simple yet powerful way to securely manage event access. And you can always use the Guest List to admit attendees in those rare cases where scanning their ticket isn’t possible. 

Ready to set up QR code ticketing for your event? Schedule a call with one of our event experts. We’ll set everything up for you!