As airlines try to reduce costs and improve efficiency, paper plane tickets are rapidly becoming outdated. You can go through check-in and baggage lines considerably faster with electronic tickets (also known as e-tickets), and you won’t have to keep track of multiple, multi-layered paper tickets or worry about replacing them in the event of loss or theft. You may also make adjustments to your flight online with e-tickets, which can save you time.
In order to purchase an aircraft ticket, you must first choose the day and time you would be flying. Make your ticket purchase appropriately for your flight. If your initial option is already taken, try another airline or wait until a later date to fly. Purchase your ticket ahead of time to prevent this problem. If you’re purchasing a one-way ticket to a city, you’ll need to know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. If you’re buying a round-trip ticket to a city, you’ll need to know when you’ll be back. You should also determine where you want to seat on the plane.
Step 1
Book your reservations and buy your ticket online, either through an airline website or on a travel-comparison site. After the airline has charged your MasterCard, you’ll receive a confirmation number by e-mail. Print the confirmation e-mail and take it with you to the airport.
Step 2
Visit an agent. If you’d rather not get your ticket online, an agent can book your reservation and acquire your e-ticket for you. Write down the confirmation code or request a printout of your itinerary and code.
Step 3
Locate an e-ticket kiosk for your airline after you reach the airport. you’ll usually find one within the airport lobby or near your airline’s ticket counter. Occasionally, airlines have kiosks adjacent to departure gates. Enter your confirmation code, using the kiosk’s touch-screen system. If you’ve forgotten to bring your confirmation number, the kiosk will ask you to enter other information, like your name, departure city, and flight time. Some airlines allow you to enter your frequent flier number at now also. This information varies by airline. Once you’ve input your information, the kiosk will print your boarding card.
Step 4
Head to the ticket counter, if you’d rather not use a kiosk. The agent will ask you for your name, destination, and therefore the approximate time of your flight. Be prepared to point out your photo ID. Have your confirmation number ready just in case the agent is unable to locate you within the system. After the agent has confirmed your seat, she’ll print your boarding card.
Step 5
Take your luggage and boarding card to the e-ticket express baggage line, where an agent will check your bags. You’ll need to show your ID here also.