Ticketing


  • What is an electronic ticket?

    An e-ticket is an electronic record that holds the information previously held on a paper ticket and stores it securely on a database. Electronic tickets follow IATA global standards and are therefore compatible with ground handling, distribution and accounting processes used by the global community of airlines.

  • Is there a difference between "ticketless" and e-ticket?

    Yes. “Ticketless” is basically a way of recording the sale and is used typically by low cost airlines on point to point travel. It does not conform to industry electronic ticketing standards and therefore cannot be used for journeys involving two or more airlines.

  • Are electronic tickets secure?

    Yes. E-ticketing was first introduced by the airline industry back in 1995. It is a process that has been tried, tested and widely appreciated in many markets. By introducing e-ticketing, all fraud related to paper tickets is automatically eliminated. The electronic ticket sits safely on the airline’s secured database. However, consumers should make sure they buy tickets from a trusted supplier – either directly from the airline or from an IATA accredited travel agent.

  • Do I need to have access to the Internet to use electronic ticketing?

    No. While the Internet is both a sales and distribution channel, the e-ticket purchase can be done by phone or at a ticket office. The itinerary receipt can be mailed, sent by fax or e-mail, or picked up at a ticketing location.

  • How do travellers using e-tickets prove they are booked on a flight?

    At check-in, passengers can present a valid ID such as a passport, an ID card, driver's license or credit card. Passengers should always be provided with an itinerary receipt. And IATA recommends that passengers take the itinerary receipt with them when they travel.

  • How can passengers with e-tickets gain entry to airports?

    Most airports do not need any documentation to gain access to the check-in area where airline agents are able to inspect e-ticket records in their computer systems. However, some airports do restrict access to the check-in area. In those airports, a passenger using an e-ticket may be identified from a preprinted list or simply be asked to show an itinerary/receipt.

  • Traveler Alert! - Fake Travel Agency Websites

    IATA is aware that there are fraudulent online travel and flight booking agencies operating internationally. These websites can appear highly professional and may even display the IATA logo to make their webpages appear legitimate. Because this is a growing concern, we urge you to use only verified agents (Accredited agents/agencies will provide their IATA code if asked and this can be verified online via theCheck a Code website or through the IATA Customer Portal.  Please be cautious of any agent whose website states that they accept credit cards for payment, but then requests payment via wire transfer only.

    Below is a list of fake travel/flight booking websites. We will update this list as necessary; however, if you learn of or suspect an online agency of fraud, please contact information.security@iata.org. Please remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

         -   cheaper-airflights.com (now closed) 
         -   cheapfilghts-air.com (now closed) 
         -   cheap-flightsair.com (now closed)
         -   flight-deal.org (now closed)