Travel Glossary · Air Travel
E-Ticket (Electronic Ticket)
Definition
E-Ticket (Electronic Ticket): An e-ticket is an electronic airline ticket stored in the airline’s system and identified by a 13-digit ticket number, the industry standard since paper tickets were retired.
IATA moved the airline industry to 100% electronic ticketing in 2008, and paper tickets are now essentially extinct. Your e-ticket is a record in the airline’s system showing the fare paid, the fare rules, and the status of each flight coupon, from open to used. The 13-digit ticket number begins with the issuing airline’s three-digit code, such as 001 for American, 006 for Delta, or 016 for United.
A ticket number is not the same as a confirmation code. The record locator identifies your reservation; the ticket number proves it has been paid for. A reservation without a ticket can be canceled automatically, and refunds, credits, and reissues all run through the ticket number.
Keep your e-ticket receipt with your trip documents. It lists the ticket number, fare basis, and baggage allowance, which help if a flight cancels, a bag goes missing, or you need to apply an unused ticket credit later.
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