Jazmin Li
E-tickets, or electronic tickets, are now the norm for air travel. They are a reservation in an airline's computer system, which confirms that you have a seat on a particular flight. E-tickets contain the same information as paper tickets, but they are stored online and can be accessed via email, an airline website or a mobile wallet. In most cases, you don't need to print your e-ticket, but it is recommended to have a copy of your air itinerary and accommodation confirmation with your ticket. You will need a boarding pass to board the plane, which you can obtain by checking in online or at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is an e-ticket? | An electronic record of the traveler's airline reservation, containing information such as the time, date and place of the flight, airport, seat assignment, and travel class. |
| How to get an e-ticket? | After selecting your flight online, you'll be prompted to pay with a credit or debit card. The screen will then present you with your payment confirmation receipt, your e-ticket, and your itinerary. |
| How to use an e-ticket at the airport? | You can check in online using your confirmation or ticket number from your e-ticket receipt. You can then choose to print your boarding pass, send a scannable copy to your phone, or both. At the airport, you can head straight to the security checkpoint without having to queue to check in or drop your bags. |
| What to do if you don't have access to an e-ticket? | Some travel agencies will mail you tickets. You can also go to the check-in desk at the airport and show the agent your passport and they will check their database and issue you a printed boarding pass. |
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Checking in online
To check in online, you will need to enter the details of your e-ticket into the airline's website. The airline will then email you a copy of your boarding pass, which you can store on your phone or print out. Alternatively, some airlines may direct you to a self-service check-in kiosk at the airport to print your boarding pass. Checking in online also saves time at the airport, as you can skip the line at the check-in desk and head straight to security if you are travelling with carry-on luggage only.
It is important to note that some airlines may require you to check in at the airport, especially for international flights, to verify your passport, visas, and other travel documents in person. Additionally, checking in online does not eliminate the need to check in your luggage, which can also lead to waiting times at the airport. Therefore, it is recommended to plan for a sufficient time buffer when travelling with suitcases or unusual items such as pets or bulky luggage.
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Boarding passes
A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during airport check-in, giving a passenger permission to enter the restricted area of an airport and to board the plane. It is a "ticket" to board the plane. At a minimum, it identifies the passenger, the flight number, the date, and the scheduled time for departure.
Passengers with electronic tickets will only need a boarding pass. If a passenger has a paper airline ticket, that ticket may be required to be attached to the boarding pass for the passenger to board the aircraft. Flyers can check in online and print the boarding passes themselves. There are also codes that can be saved to an electronic device or from the airline's app that are scanned during boarding.
Most airports and airlines have automatic readers that will verify the validity of the boarding pass at the jetway door or boarding gate. This also automatically updates the airline's database to show that the passenger has boarded and that their checked baggage may stay aboard. During security screenings, the personnel will also scan the boarding pass to authenticate the passenger.
A passenger can check-in online and receive their boarding pass by email or text, or they can print it at the airport kiosk or counter. Mobile boarding passes are valid at security and the gate, but it is recommended to have a paper copy as a backup in case of technology failure. If a passenger loses their boarding pass, they can reprint it at the check-in counter or gate, or use the airline's app for a mobile version.
A boarding pass will include the legal name of the passenger and flight information, including the airline name, departure gate information, departure and arrival cities, flight numbers, departure time, boarding time, boarding group number, and seat assignment. There will also be a bar code (paper boarding pass) or QR code (mobile boarding pass) for scanning at the security checkpoint and when boarding the plane.
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Identification
E-tickets, or electronic tickets, have largely replaced traditional paper tickets. They contain the same information as a paper ticket, including booking and payment details, but are stored in an airline's computer database. This means that you do not need to print out your e-ticket, as it can be accessed electronically.
However, you will still need a boarding pass to board the plane. This can be obtained by checking in online or at the airport. To check in online, you will need the confirmation code from your e-ticket receipt, which can be found in the email sent to you by the airline. You can then print your boarding pass or send a scannable copy to your smartphone. Checking in online can save you time at the airport.
If you check in at the airport, you will need to show a valid form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID, so that the ticket agent can find your ticket information in their computer system. They will then provide you with a boarding pass. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least one hour before your flight to check in.
It is also recommended that you take a copy of your e-ticket 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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Self-service check-in
To use a self-service check-in kiosk, you will need to locate the kiosks, which are usually positioned as free-standing computer screens. You will then be prompted to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, or entering your flight confirmation code or frequent flyer number. Following this, you can select your seat and print your boarding pass.
Some kiosks also allow you to print luggage tags, which you can attach to your bags before proceeding to the dedicated baggage drop-off area. This eliminates the need to queue at the traditional check-in counters, further saving time.
It is important to note that while self-service check-in kiosks offer convenience and efficiency, traditional check-in counters remain essential for personalized assistance, especially for passengers who may require additional support or have specific requests. Additionally, some airlines may charge a fee for using self-service kiosks, particularly for baggage check-in. Therefore, it is recommended to review the specific guidelines provided by your airline or airport before opting for self-service check-in.
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Paper tickets
An airline ticket is a document or electronic record issued by an airline or travel agency that confirms an individual's entitlement to a seat on a flight. The ticket may be one of two types: a paper ticket, which comprises coupons or vouchers; or an electronic ticket (commonly referred to as an e-ticket).
To use a paper ticket, travellers should arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare and locate their airline's check-in counter or self-service kiosk. At the check-in desk, travellers will need to present their paper ticket, passport, and any other required documentation, such as a visa. The check-in agent will then issue a printed boarding pass, which is required to board the plane.
While paper tickets offer a simple and straightforward way to keep track of travel details, they may not be as convenient as e-tickets, which can be easily accessed on a mobile device and automatically update with any gate changes. Additionally, e-tickets can be added to a mobile wallet, and most airlines allow online check-in using e-tickets, making the process more efficient.
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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.
You don't need to print your e-ticket as you can check in online and the confirmation code or ID is sufficient for check-in. However, it is recommended to have a copy of your e-ticket with you, just in case.
At the airport, you will need to show a valid photo identification card such as a driver's license or passport to claim your spot on the aircraft. You will also need to show your boarding pass, which you can get by checking in online or at the check-in desk.
E-tickets are convenient as they eliminate the need to carry valuable paper tickets, reducing the risk of theft, damage, or loss. They also allow passengers to research, book, buy, check-in and board virtually without airline assistance.
You can purchase an e-ticket online through airline or travel agency websites, or mobile applications. After selecting your flight and completing your payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt and your e-ticket.
