Electronic plane ticket: what you need to know

What is an electronic plane ticket?

An electronic plane ticket is a record in the airline's database, a digital form of a regular paper ticket. Since 2008, all airlines that are part of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have switched to e-tickets.

When you purchase an electronic plane ticket, you are essentially entering into a contract with the airline and acquiring the right to fly from one point to another.

An e-ticket is fast, safe, and very convenient.

• You don’t need to go anywhere, and certainly not stand in line, to buy an e-ticket. The plane ticket will arrive directly in your email.
• You can pay through terminals and ATMs or via online banking systems.
• You can purchase an electronic ticket not only for yourself but also for relatives or friends. They only need to come to check-in.
• The electronic ticket is stored in electronic form and won’t get lost. It can’t be eaten by your dog, you won’t lose it, and you won’t spill tea on it. Once you buy the ticket, its data is stored in the airline’s database.

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Immediately after purchasing the electronic ticket, you will receive an itinerary receipt by email. It contains all the flight information, including the electronic ticket number. This may be needed if you have to go through self-check-in and register yourself.

The itinerary receipt usually includes:

• The passenger's last name, first name, and passport number.
• The booking number/booking code, which allows you to verify the ticket’s authenticity in booking systems, manage your booking on the airline’s website, or check in for the flight online.
• The electronic ticket number.
• The flight numbers for all segments of the journey.
• The airlines operating these flights.
• All points on the route: departure and arrival cities with the airport codes and names.
• The date and time of each departure (sometimes the check-in closing time is also indicated), as well as the estimated arrival time—always in local time.
• Baggage allowance for each flight.
• The booking class.
• The price and its components: base fare, additional fees.

Do you need to print the itinerary receipt? In theory, no. At airport check-in, airline staff will find your booking in their system using your passport. But to avoid any extra worry, it’s still a good idea to print out this file and save it on your phone.

The itinerary receipt may be needed in the following cases:

• To present to airport security when entering some airports (for example, in India).
• If the flight is delayed or canceled.
• When applying for a visa.
• If return tickets are required for entry into another country.
• If there’s a technical failure. Yes, sometimes this happens, so it’s better to be safe and bring a paper copy of your itinerary receipt.

What to do with an electronic plane ticket?

With an electronic plane ticket, you can check in for your flight at the regular check-in counter. Just arrive at the airport, show your passport at the airline's counter (your electronic ticket is already saved in the airline's database), get your boarding pass, check your baggage, go through security and inspection, and then proceed to boarding.

You can also check in at the airport’s self-service kiosks.

And as we’ve already told you, experienced travelers always check in for their flight in advance and online.