In the past, travelers bought airline tickets from a local travel agent and physical tickets were mailed to their address. These days, you almost always have to use an e-ticket; It can cost up to $ 20 for the privilege of receiving a plane ticket by mail, although some travel agencies will still mail you tickets.
How e-tickets work
These days when you buy a flight online, you are buying an electronic ticket or a ticket that is stored online. Airline and travel agency sites will guide you through the buying process, and it’s very easy to follow. After selecting your flight online, you will be asked to pay with a credit or debit card. The screen will present your payment confirmation receipt, your e-ticket, and your itinerary. Many travelers print the e-ticket and itinerary or make sure to save them together in their email for easy access.
While some people print their e-tickets at home and take them to the airport, most of today’s travelers add the e-ticket to their iPhone wallet or keep the e-ticket link open for scanning at the gate.
What to bring to the airport
Be sure to check your airline’s requirements for checking in and boarding the flight before you start packing. In some cases, you will have to print your e-ticket to show the staff at check-in (along with of course your passport and visa, if required). You may not need to show them to anyone if you register with a self-service kiosk. You will also be able to register online if that makes it easier for you.
However, for the vast majority of cases, the only thing you need to worry about is your passport. If you are traveling internationally, give your passport to the check-in staff and they will check your computer system for a reservation in your name. They will even be able to print your boarding pass without having to see your e-ticket because everything is stored online.
Also, if they need to see proof of your purchase or your ticket, they will be able to avoid showing it to you on your phone or laptop, so be sure to download a copy before heading to the airport and save Your loaded technology.
What happens at check-in
After arriving at the airport, go to the check-in counter and show the agent your passport and e-ticket. They will check your ticket against the airline’s database and issue you a printed boarding pass when everything is out. This boarding pass is what allows you to get on the plane.
Many airports are installing self-service counters, which can help save time as there are rarely queues for them. If you see one, write your information on the screen (usually your e-ticket reservation number, your passport number, and / or your flight details), and it will print your boarding pass for you. It will also print a tag for your luggage, which you must attach to your backpack or suitcase following the on-screen instructions. Take your luggage to the bag drop queue, drop it on the conveyor belt, and you’re done.
Head to security and then head to your door.
Well-prepared travelers are those who are prepared so that everything doesn’t go smoothly, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time in case of problems like computer crashes, flight delays, or more.
What if you have registered online?
When you check-in online, you will enter your e-ticket details on the airline’s website and in return they will email you a copy of your boarding pass. You can then choose to store this on your phone or print it at home.
Once you arrive at the airport, if you are traveling in carry-on luggage only, you can go straight to airport security without having to queue to check-in or drop off your bags, saving you time.
What to keep with your e-ticket
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 and are likely to forget dates / times. Your hotel can take you through the same process online and allow you to print the accommodation confirmation. Please keep these copies of the hostel and air itineraries in your checked luggage in case of lost luggage. If someone opens your suitcase, you will immediately know which flight you were on and where you will be staying.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a printer, be sure to put a luggage tag on your backpack or suitcase so you can be easily contacted if they get lost. Keep your flight and hotel confirmations on your phone and / or laptop too.
