Roberta Aguirre
If you're travelling by plane, you've probably used an e-ticket. An e-ticket is simply a reservation in an airline's computer system, confirming that you have a seat on a particular flight. When you purchase a flight online, you're buying an e-ticket, which is stored online. You can then check in online, usually 24 hours before your flight, and receive a boarding pass, either printed or electronic. This boarding pass is what you need to board the plane, along with your ID. You can also check in at the airport, where you can print your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk or desk.
How to use e-tickets at the airport:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is an e-ticket? | A reservation in an airline's computer system, confirming a ticketed seat on a particular flight. |
| How to get an e-ticket? | When you purchase a flight online, you will receive an e-ticket, a payment confirmation receipt, and your itinerary. |
| How to check-in? | You can check-in online or at the airport. To check-in online, enter the details of your e-ticket into the airline's website and they will email you a copy of your boarding pass. |
| Do you need to print your e-ticket? | No, you do not need to print your e-ticket. You can show your confirmation code or ID at the check-in. |
| What to do at the airport? | Go to the check-in desk and show your passport and e-ticket. The agent will verify your ticket and issue a printed boarding pass. |
| What is the use of a boarding pass? | A boarding pass is required to gain access to the flight and board the plane. |
| Where to get a boarding pass? | You can get a boarding pass at check-in, either online or at the airport. |
| What to do after check-in? | If you are travelling with carry-on luggage only, you can head straight to airport security. If you have checked-in luggage, go to the bag drop queue. |
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What You'll Learn
Checking in online
Once the online check-in is completed, passengers will receive a boarding pass, either as an electronic version that can be stored on their mobile device or as a paper copy that can be printed at home. Having a digital copy of the boarding pass on your phone or mobile device can be convenient, but it is always a good idea to have a printed copy as well, in case your device runs out of battery or you are unable to access your digital copy.
Passengers should also keep in mind that checking in online does not mean skipping the security process at the airport. After checking in online, passengers will still need to go through security and show their boarding pass, either electronic or paper, along with their ID, to the TSA agent before proceeding to their gate.
Additionally, for international travel, it is recommended to carry a print copy of the eTicket for immigration purposes, as it serves as proof of return or onward travel.
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$18.9 $20
Using self-service check-in kiosks
Self-service check-in kiosks are available at most airports and can help save time as there are rarely any queues. When you reach the front of the check-in line, you will see a row of kiosks, which look like freestanding computer screens.
To use a self-service check-in kiosk, you will need to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code (locator number), or entering your frequent flyer number. If you have checked in online, you can also scan your printed boarding pass at the kiosk. You will then be asked about checked baggage, and you can type in the number of bags you want to check. The kiosk will print your boarding pass and a tag for your luggage, which you should attach to your bag by following the on-screen instructions.
Take your luggage to the bag drop queue and place it on the conveyor belt. You will need to pay the regular checked bag fee for each piece of luggage. You can then head to the security checkpoint. Remember that you will need to show your boarding pass (either paper or electronic) and your ID to the TSA agent before proceeding to your gate.
It is worth noting that some cheap airlines may charge for using the check-in kiosks at the airport.
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Boarding without a physical ticket
When flying without a physical ticket, you will need to use an electronic ticket (e-ticket). These days, when you purchase a flight online, you are buying an e-ticket, which is stored online. After you've selected your flight online, you will 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.
Many airlines will allow you to check in online, after which they 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. You can also check in at the airport via check-in kiosks or desks, although some budget airlines may charge for this. At some airports, you can use self-service check-in desks, which can save time as there are rarely any queues. You will need to type in your e-ticket reservation number, your passport number, and/or your flight details, and the machine will print your boarding pass and a luggage tag.
Once you have your boarding pass, you can head to security. At some airports, you will need to show your boarding pass to the TSA agent, along with your ID. However, at over 225 airports across the US, TSA officers can confirm travellers' flight details without needing to see their boarding pass.
It is a good idea to keep a copy of your e-ticket, either on your phone or printed out, in case of any issues.
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Using an eTicket on a connecting flight
If you are travelling with carry-on luggage only, you can head straight to security at the airport without having to queue to check in or drop off bags. However, if you have checked luggage, you will need to go to the check-in desk and show the agent your passport and eTicket. They will then compare your ticket against the airline's database and issue you a printed boarding pass. You will also need to provide your luggage, and they will print a tag for you to attach to your bag and place on the conveyor belt.
If you are travelling internationally, the check-in staff will only need to see your passport, as they can check their computer system for a reservation in your name. They will be able to print your boarding pass without needing to see your eTicket. However, if they do need to see proof of purchase, you can show them on your phone or laptop, so be sure to download a copy before you leave for the airport and keep your device charged.
You may also be able to use a self-service check-in kiosk, where you can print your boarding pass by entering your eTicket reservation number, passport number, and flight details.
Overall, the process of using an eTicket on a connecting flight is very similar to that of a regular flight. The main difference is that you will need to go through security and check-in multiple times, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make your connection.
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What to do if you lose your eTicket
If you've lost your eTicket, don't panic. There are several options available to help you resolve the issue. Firstly, try to locate the confirmation email sent by the airline or travel agency when you first purchased the ticket. This email usually contains important information such as your payment confirmation receipt, eTicket, and itinerary. Check your email inbox and search for emails from the airline or travel agency. If you can't find the confirmation email, try checking your spam or junk mail folder, as sometimes these emails can end up there.
If you still can't find the confirmation email, contact the airline or travel agency directly. Explain your situation, and they may be able to resend the confirmation email or provide you with alternative options to access your eTicket. Most airlines have customer service teams that can assist with such issues and may be able to send you a new copy of your eTicket.
In some cases, you may need to provide additional information to verify your identity and booking details. This could include your name, booking reference or confirmation number, travel dates, and any other relevant information. It's a good idea to have this information readily available when contacting the airline or travel agency.
If you have access to online check-in, you can also try checking in for your flight in advance. During the online check-in process, you will typically be able to access and download your boarding pass, which is the most important document you need to board your flight. Even if you don't have your eTicket, having your boarding pass available on your phone or printed out can help streamline the airport check-in process.
Remember, it's always a good idea to keep your important travel documents organized and easily accessible, whether they are physical copies or digital files. Consider creating a specific email folder or using a document storage app to ensure you can quickly locate your eTicket and other travel-related information when needed.
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Frequently asked questions
An e-ticket is a reservation in an airline's computer system, confirming you have a seat on a particular flight.
You can check-in online using your confirmation or ticket number from your e-ticket receipt. You can then print your boarding pass, send a scannable copy to your phone, or both. At the airport, you can check-in at a kiosk or desk, but some airlines charge for this.
You will need to show your boarding pass and a form of ID, such as your passport, to get through security and board the plane. You do not need to show your e-ticket, but it is recommended to have it with you in case you need proof of purchase.
You can either print your boarding pass at home or collect it at the airport. If you are checking in at the airport, you can use a self-service check-in kiosk, which will print your boarding pass, or go to a check-in desk and show your e-ticket and passport to an agent who will print it for you.
