[jon-v]

I have on multiple occasions been boarded by pen and paper in the US when technical issues prevented the electronic systems from being used - somehow airline/ground staff in the US often seem more empowered to do this sort of thing than their European counterparts.

[goodcanadian]

It may be a difference between domestic and international flights.

[pcardoso]

At least in Europe going to/from the UK is a lot more cumbersome than to another EU country, since they are not in the Schengen area.

It is far easier to fly to Switzerland than to the UK.