Airline Ticket Reservation

What happens if I lose my paper ticket?

• If you are using a paper ticket, you should check all the information printed on the ticket for accuracy and write down the ticket number as soon as you get it.

• You should notify the Airline at once so they can begin the process of issuing you another ticket. Having written down your ticket number will help simplify this process.

• The penalty for losing a ticket will depend on the individual Airline’s policy.

• You might have to pay a replacement ticket fee, which can be quite costly.

• Other programs require you to purchase a new ticket at the current price rate, which will probably be more expensive since you may no longer be eligible for an advance purchase deals. Then you’ll receive a refund for the original ticket, less a service fee. This refund can take weeks, if not months, so don’t lose your ticket.

Should I use electronic ticketing or e-tickets?

• You might consider electronic ticketing so you won’t have paper tickets to loose. Some Airlines are beginning to convert to only electronic ticketing. In any case, be sure to get a confirmation number and bring it with you. As always, it never hurts to reconfirm your flight information directly with the Airline, especially if someone else made your reservation.
• Traveling on an e-ticket may help you to avoid some of the extra and often high charges associated with issuing and delivering a paper ticket.
• You should check directly with the Airline in advance if you have an electronic ticket because you will need some form of paperwork to make it through the security checkpoint and into the gate areas. The Airline might be able to mail, fax or email any additional paperwork you need or you should be able to pick up the additional paperwork at their check-in counter when you check your luggage.
• If you are traveling abroad, avoid using electronic ticketing. Along with passport and visas, some countries require you have a paper ticket to get into their country. Even if it’s just to change planes on a connecting flight.
• Paper tickets still have the advantage that you’ll have something in your hand to prove you have a ticket and this can still come in handy if you are traveling to an area where you might find personnel with fewer computer skills. Paper tickets can also be handy if your flight is cancelled and your Airline offers to book you a seat on another Airline. Although, Airlines are working to improve their computer systems, most Airlines are not yet able to accept e-tickets from other Airlines. Often, you still need to have your airline print you a paper ticket and then endorse it over to another carrier.

What will I need to bring to the airport if I use electronic ticketing?

• You’ll need to bring your driver’s license or other government issued picture I.D., such as a driver’s license, passport or state I.D. card to prove it is really you.
• A college I.D., even a state college I.D., may not be acceptable.
• The name on the ticket must match the name on your I.D. exactly.
• You’ll also want to bring along your ticket’s confirmation number.
• You may need to bring the credit card the ticket was charged on for the Airline to swipe through their computer, especially if you bought the ticket directly from the Airline.
• You should check directly with the Airline in advance if you have an electronic ticket because you will need some form of paperwork to make it through the security checkpoint and into the gate areas. The Airline might be able to mail, fax or email any additional paperwork you need or you should be able to pick up the additional paperwork at their check-in counter when you check your luggage.