E-Tickets For Flights: What They Are and How They Work
An e-ticket contains all the same information old-fashioned paper tickets had on them, but with no actual paper.
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Key takeaways
- An e-ticket contains booking and payment details but is not the same as a boarding pass, which grants access to the plane.
- An e-ticket may have some flight details, but it is not a complete itinerary, which includes full flight information like times and flight numbers.
- You don’t need to print your e-ticket for travel, as the confirmation code or ID is sufficient for check-in, and the boarding pass (paper or electronic) is required for boarding.
- With Going membership plans, you can get real-time alerts as soon as prices drop for domestic and international flights. That way, you know you're getting some of the cheapest flights every time.
Is an e-ticket the same thing as a boarding pass?
No. A boarding pass is a document (either paper or electronic) that shows a gate agent that you’re allowed to board a plane for a particular flight. An e-ticket has a bunch of information that the gate agent doesn’t need—including what you paid for the ticket and where you bought it.
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Is an e-ticket also my itinerary?
No. A flight itinerary has all the details you need to know about the flights on your trip—departure city and time, flight numbers, arrival city and times, etc.—while an e-ticket may only have some of that information.
Do I need to print my e-ticket?
No, not for travel purposes. If you need payment information for reimbursement or tax purposes, that’s another matter.
Can I travel without a hard copy of an e-ticket?
Yes! The only thing you’ll need to check into your flight online is the confirmation code you got when you booked it, which doesn’t usually appear on your e-ticket. And if you’re checking in at the airport, the ticket agent will use your ID to find your ticket information in their computer system.
Once you’re checked in, you’ll get a boarding pass; you need a boarding pass (either on paper or electronically on your phone) to board the plane.
How do I get my flight e-ticket?
After booking your flight, you'll typically receive your e-ticket via email from the airline or travel agency. It will include your booking confirmation, flight details, and a unique ticket number.
How do I download my e-ticket for a flight?
You can download your e-ticket by visiting the airline's website or app, logging into your account, and navigating to the "My Trips" or "Manage Booking" section. There, you can access and download your e-ticket as a PDF or save it digitally.
Do I need a boarding pass if I have an e-ticket?
Yes, you still need a boarding pass to board the plane. An e-ticket contains your booking information, but a boarding pass (either paper or electronic) is required to gain access to the flight.
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Last updated Mar 28, 2025