Tarjeta de embarque vs. pase de abordar
When traveling by air, you will need a document to get on the plane. While both tarjeta de embarque and pase de abordar refer to a boarding pass, the usage depends entirely on the Spanish-speaking region you are in.
Tarjeta de embarque
A2This is the most common term used in Spain and the Southern Cone of South America (such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay). It literally translates to boarding card and comes from the verb embarcar (to embark).
He perdido mi tarjeta de embarque en el control de seguridad.
(I lost my boarding pass at the security checkpoint.)
Por favor, tenga su tarjeta de embarque y su pasaporte a mano.
(Please have your boarding pass and passport handy.)
Puedes descargar la tarjeta de embarque en tu móvil.
(You can download the boarding pass on your mobile phone.)
La azafata escaneó mi tarjeta de embarque antes de entrar al avión.
(The flight attendant scanned my boarding pass before entering the plane.)
Tu número de asiento está impreso en la tarjeta de embarque.
(Your seat number is printed on the boarding pass.)
Pase de abordar
A2This variation is predominantly used in Mexico, Colombia, and most of Central America. It derives from the verb abordar (to board) and functions exactly the same way as a boarding pass.
¿Necesito imprimir mi pase de abordar o puedo usar la aplicación?
(Do I need to print my boarding pass or can I use the app?)
El quiosco no pudo generar mi pase de abordar.
(The kiosk could not generate my boarding pass.)
Muestre su pase de abordar al personal de la puerta.
(Show your boarding pass to the gate staff.)
Sin un pase de abordar válido, no podrá pasar.
(Without a valid boarding pass, you will not be able to pass through.)
Me enviaron el pase de abordar a mi correo electrónico.
(They sent the boarding pass to my email.)
Summary
The difference is purely regional. Use tarjeta de embarque if you are traveling to Spain, Argentina, or Chile. Use pase de abordar if you are in Mexico, Colombia, or Central America. However, airport staff will understand either term in any Spanish-speaking country.