Have you ever checked your boarding pass and noticed “TBD” where your gate number, seat assignment, or boarding time or even terminal should be? If so, you might have wondered what it means.
TBD stands for “To Be Determined,” and it usually appears when certain flight details haven’t been finalized yet. While it may cause some confusion, it’s a common placeholder and does not necessarily mean your flight is delayed or cancelled.
Here’s why TBD appears on a boarding pass, what you should do if you see it, and how it compares to similar terms like TBA, GTE, and SBY.
Why Does TBD Appear on a Boarding Pass?
Before understanding why TBD (To Be Determined) appears, first check where it’s listed on your boarding pass. It can show up in different places, such as: Gate, Seat, Terminal or Boarding Time. Each scenario has different reasons, so let’s break them down.
1. Gate TBD – No Gate Assigned Yet
Seeing TBD instead of a gate number? This happens when:
- The airline has not yet assigned a departure gate.
- The airport is still finalizing gate allocations for flights.
- A last-minute change occurred due to flight delays, aircraft swaps, or congestion at the airport.
Example: You’re flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK), and your boarding pass shows “Gate: TBD.”This could mean the airline is still determining which gate your aircraft will use. Large airports often assign gates closer to departure.
💡 What to do:
- Check the airport flight information display screens (FIDS).
- Use the airline’s app—most will update your gate in real time.
- Listen for airport announcements.
2. Seat TBD – No Seat Assigned Yet
TBD in the seat section means:
- You booked a ticket that does not include seat selection (common with Basic Economy fares).
- The airline is assigning seats at the gate.
Example: If you’re flying on a low-cost airline that charges for seat selection, you might see TBD on your boarding pass. The airline will assign you a random seat when you check in or at the gate. So no seat squatting😊
Whats the Difference between a Standby Seat and a TBD Seat?
The key difference between SBY (Standby Seat) and TBD (To Be Determined) Seat lies in the passenger’s booking status and how the seat is assigned. If you see SBY on your boarding pass, it means you’re on standby, waiting for an available seat. Learn more in our guide on What SBY means on a boarding pass.
💡 Main Difference:
- SBY means you’re not guaranteed a seat.
- TBD means you have a seat, but its location hasn’t been assigned yet.
💡 What to do:
- Check in early to increase your chances of getting a good seat.
- Ask the gate agent if a seat assignment is available.
- If you’re on standby, wait for the agent to call your name before boarding.
3. Boarding Time TBD – When Will Boarding Start?
If your boarding time is listed as TBD, it means:
- The airline hasn’t confirmed the exact boarding time yet.
- There might be an aircraft delay or a schedule change.
- The airport uses dynamic boarding schedules, updating them as flights progress.
Example: If your flight is waiting for a late-arriving aircraft, the airline might list TBD for the boarding time until they know when the plane will be ready.
💡 What to do:
- Check the airline app for live updates.
- Arrive at the gate early in case the boarding time is announced suddenly.
4. Terminal TBD – Uncertain Departure Terminal
At some large airports, your boarding pass might say “Terminal: TBD.” If the terminal is TBD, the gate will also be TBD because a gate can’t be assigned until the terminal is confirmed.
This can happen when:
- The airport has multiple terminals, and your airline hasn’t finalized which one your flight will depart from.
- The airline is using a different terminal than usual (e.g., a codeshare flight operated by another carrier).
- There’s a last-minute operational switch, like an aircraft change requiring a different terminal.
⚠️ Seeing TBD for the terminal can be tricky!
At major airports, terminals can be far apart, sometimes requiring a bus, train, or shuttle to reach. Some terminals aren’t even within walking distance, so waiting too long to check can cause delays. If you’re on a connecting flight, make sure you know whether you’ll need to recheck your bags before heading to your next gate.
💡 What to do: If your boarding pass says Terminal TBD, approach an airline staff member immediately to confirm where to go. This will save you time and avoid last-minute stress.
Does TBD Mean My Flight Is Cancelled?
No! TBD does NOT mean your flight is cancelled. It just means some flight details are still being worked out. Airlines update gate and seat assignments all the time, especially at busy airports.
However, if TBD stays on your boarding pass right before departure, it might indicate:
- A gate change (check screens and listen for announcements).
- A seat reassignment (especially on full flights).
- A schedule change or delay.
If you’re unsure, always check with an airline agent.
Seeing TBD on your boarding pass can be stressful, especially if you’re traveling alone. Not knowing your gate, seat, or terminal in advance can add uncertainty. Stay calm, check the airport screens, and ask staff for help if needed. If you’re feeling anxious about navigating airports solo, check out our Top Tips for a Stress-Free Journey.
What Is the Difference Between TBD and TBA on a Boarding Pass?
Both TBD (To Be Determined) and TBA (To Be Announced) indicate that information is not yet available, but there’s a subtle difference:
- TBD means the information is still being decided (e.g., a gate not yet assigned).
- TBA means the airline already knows the information but hasn’t publicly announced it yet.
Related Boarding Pass Codes You Should Know
- GTE (Gate Entry): If you see GTE on your boarding pass, this means you don’t have a seat assignment yet and must check in at the gate. The airline will assign your seat just before boarding, usually for standby passengers or when seats are being reallocated.
- SBY (Standby): You don’t have a confirmed seat yet and must wait for availability.
- See Agent: You need to speak to an airline representative—often due to a seat issue or a flight change.
- SEQ (Sequence Number): This number shows the order in which you checked in for the flight. A lower SEQ number (e.g., SEQ 001) means you were one of the first passengers to check in, while a higher number (e.g., SEQ 250) means you checked in later.
- SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection): If you see SSSS on your boarding pass, you’ve been randomly selected for additional security screening. This means you will undergo extra security checks, including a thorough bag inspection and possibly a manual body search at the checkpoint.
Final Thoughts
Seeing TBD on your boarding pass might feel unsettling, but it’s usually nothing to worry about! It simply means some details are still being finalized. Whether it’s your gate, seat, or boarding time or terminal, these details will be updated before departure.
What Should You Do If You See TBD?
✔ Check the airport flight information screens for updates.
✔ Use the airline’s mobile app to track real-time changes.
✔ Listen for announcements or ask an airport agent for assistance.
⚠️ If you’re waiting in a lounge: Make sure they announce flight updates! Not all lounges provide boarding calls, especially third-party ones. I recently had a good friend miss their flight whilst relaxing in the Turkish Business Lounge in Istanbul. He assumed they would call his TBD Gate and they didnt! Whats worse he had to pay for a new ticket!🥴
If your terminal or gate is TBD, ask the lounge staff if they’ll announce it or keep an eye on the flight screens.
Stay informed! By doing so you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Safe Travels 😊✈️
