Jazmin Li
When you purchase a flight online, you are buying an e-ticket, which is stored online. E-tickets are convenient and secure, and they eliminate the need for traditional paper airline tickets. You can download your e-ticket from the airline's website or app and store it on your phone, print it out, or keep the link open to scan at the gate when boarding. While some airlines may require you to present your e-ticket at check-in, most only require a valid passport (for international flights) or government-issued ID (for domestic flights) so they can pull up your reservation in their system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ticket format | Electronic |
| Ticket purchase | Online |
| Ticket storage | Online |
| Ticket access | Via airline's website or app |
| Ticket information | Booking information, flight details, itinerary, passenger details, payment details |
| Ticket use at airport | Show at check-in, along with ID |
| Boarding pass | Required to board flight, can be electronic or paper |
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What You'll Learn
Do I need to print my e-ticket?
When you purchase a flight online, you are buying an e-ticket, which is stored online. After selecting your flight, you will be prompted to pay with a credit or debit card. The screen will then present you with a payment confirmation receipt, your e-ticket, and your itinerary.
You do not need to print your e-ticket. However, some people prefer to do so and bring it to the airport. Most travellers today add the e-ticket to their phone wallet or keep the e-ticket link open to scan at the gate when boarding. It is worth checking the requirements of the airline you are travelling with, as some may require you to show a printed e-ticket at check-in.
When checking in online, you will enter the details of your e-ticket into the airline's website, and in exchange, they will email you a copy of your boarding pass. You can then choose to store this on your phone or print it out. If you are travelling with carry-on luggage only, you can head straight to security without checking in or dropping off bags.
At the airport, you will need to show a boarding pass (either paper or electronic) and your ID to a TSA agent before proceeding to your gate. If you are checking in at the airport, the agent will use your ID to find your ticket information. You will then be issued a printed boarding pass.
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Boarding passes
When you purchase a flight online, you are buying an eTicket, which is stored online. An eTicket contains all the same information as a paper ticket, but without the physical paper. You can download your eTicket from the airline's website or app, or it may be sent to you via email.
A boarding pass, on the other hand, is a document that gives a passenger permission to board the plane. It is generated upon check-in, either online or at the check-in counter. It is an operational document that gives you access to certain areas of the airport on the day of the flight. It is proof of your transaction with the airline, and you will need one for each new leg of a connecting flight. You can obtain a boarding pass by checking in online, where you will receive it by email or text, or you can print it at the airport kiosk or counter. Most airports and airlines have automatic readers that will verify the validity of the boarding pass at the jetway door or boarding gate.
You will need to show your boarding pass to the TSA agent, either on your phone or on paper, along with your ID. It is wise to have a paper copy of your boarding pass as a backup in case of technology failure. Boarding passes contain a unique ticket number, the legal name of the passenger, flight information, and a bar code or QR code for scanning.
Some airlines may charge you for printing out your boarding pass at the airport.
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Checking in online
To check in online, simply log on to the airline's website or app and input your name and booking confirmation number. You will need the record locator code from the airline if you booked your flight through a third-party site. During the online check-in process, you can choose your seat, add meals, and even opt for an upgrade. Once you have entered your details, the airline will email you a copy of your boarding pass. You can then choose to store this on your phone or print it out at home.
Remember that checking in online does not mean you can skip showing your identification at the airport. You will still need to present your passport and, if required, your visa to the check-in staff. They will check their computer system for a reservation in your name and may even be able to print out your boarding pass without needing to see your e-ticket. However, they may ask to see proof of your purchase or ticket, which you can show to them on your phone or laptop. Therefore, ensure that you have downloaded a copy of your e-ticket before heading to the airport and keep your devices charged.
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Airport check-in desks
When you buy a flight online, you are usually purchasing an eTicket—a ticket that's stored online. After selecting your flight, you'll be asked to pay with a credit or debit card, and then you'll be presented with a payment confirmation receipt, your eTicket, and your itinerary.
Some people prefer to print their eTickets and keep them with their itinerary, while others add the eTicket to their phone wallet or keep the link open to scan at the gate when boarding. It's always best to check the requirements of the specific airline you're travelling with, as some may require you to show a printed eTicket at check-in.
Checking in online is a great way to save time at the airport. Most airlines allow you to check in online 24-48 hours before your flight. You'll need to enter your confirmation or ticket number from your eTicket receipt, and the airline will email you a copy of your boarding pass, which you can then store on your phone or print at home.
If you do need to check in at the airport, you'll need to go to the check-in desk and show the agent your passport and eTicket. They'll then compare your ticket against the airline's database and issue you a printed boarding pass. This is what you'll need to show, along with your ID, to be allowed to board the plane.
It's recommended that you take a copy of your eTicket receipt with you on your trip as proof of your reservation in case of any issues with the airline's computer system.
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E-ticket as proof of purchase
An e-ticket is a digital record in an airline's computer database, eliminating the need for a traditional paper ticket. It is a reservation in an airline's computer system, confirming that you have a ticketed seat on a particular flight. When you purchase a flight online, you are buying an e-ticket, which is stored online. The screen will then present you with your payment confirmation receipt, your e-ticket, and your itinerary.
You can download your e-ticket by visiting the airline's website or app, logging into your account, and navigating to the relevant section. There, you can access and download your e-ticket as a PDF or save it digitally. You will also receive an email confirmation, complete with your booking number and all flight details. It is recommended that you take the e-ticket receipt with you on your trip as proof of your reservation in the event of a computer failure.
While some people still print their e-tickets and bring them to the airport, most travellers today add the e-ticket to their phone wallet or keep the e-ticket link open to scan at the gate when boarding. In some cases, you will have to print out your e-ticket to show to the staff at check-in, along with your passport and visa, if required. If they do need to see proof of your purchase, you will be able to show it to them on your phone or laptop, so make sure to download a copy before you head to the airport.
Checking in online the day before you travel can save you time at the airport. You can then choose to store your boarding pass on your phone or print it out. You may want to keep a copy of your air itinerary and your accommodation confirmation with your ticket, especially if you are taking many flights over a short period of time.
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Frequently asked questions
An e-ticket is a reservation in an airline's computer system, which confirms that you have a seat on a particular flight. It is a digital record stored in the airline's booking system and contains all the details of the flight, the itinerary, the passenger travelling and the payment made.
After purchasing your flight online, you will be prompted to pay with a credit or debit card. You will then receive a payment confirmation receipt, your e-ticket, and your itinerary via email. You can also download your e-ticket by visiting the airline's website or app, logging into your account, and navigating to the relevant section.
Most airlines allow you to show your e-ticket on your phone or laptop at the airport. However, it is recommended that you check the requirements of your airline before travelling, as some may require a printed copy of your e-ticket.
