Airline Tickets

An airline ticket is a document issued by an airline or travel agent that confirms a passenger has purchased a seat on a specific flight and is entitled to board.

What are airline tickets?

Airline tickets are important documents that confirm a passenger has a seat on a flight. The ticket includes important information about the passenger and the flight that they will take. The ticket is exchanged for a boarding pass during the check-in process, and this gives the passengers permission to board the plane.

What is the difference between an airline ticket and a boarding pass?

An airline ticket confirms your purchase of a seat on a flight and contains your booking details. A boarding pass is a separate document issued at check-in that grants you permission to board the aircraft and includes your seat assignment and gate information.

Types of airline tickets

E-ticket (electronic ticket): A digital ticket stored in the airline's system, linked to your booking reference. Since 2008, IATA has mandated e-ticketing for all member airlines.
One-way ticket: A ticket for travel in one direction only, from origin to destination.
Round-trip ticket: A ticket that includes both outbound and return flights between two destinations.
Open-jaw ticket: A ticket where you fly into one city and return from a different city, or arrive and depart from different origin points.
Open ticket: An airline ticket with no fixed departure date or time, allowing travelers to book their specific flight later within a validity period.

What information is included on an airline ticket?

All airline tickets include the same information:

Name of the passenger
Airline that issued the ticket
Ticket number (a unique 13-digit identifier)
Valid date
Origin and destination cities
Flight number
Fare Basis Code (a code indicating the fare type, class of service, and any restrictions that apply to your ticket)
Policy for changes and refunds
Payment method
Exchange rate if necessary
Breakdown of costs
Baggage allowance (typically shown on e-ticket confirmations and boarding passes)
Cost and taxes (usually displayed on e-ticket receipts and itinerary confirmations, but may not appear on boarding passes)

What is the difference between a paper and electronic ticket?

Feature

Paper ticket

Electronic ticket

Format

Physical document

Digital record stored in airline system

Environmental impact

Uses paper resources

Paperless, more sustainable

Convenience

Must be carried and presented

Accessible via email, app, or booking reference

Risk of loss

Can be lost or damaged

Retrievable anytime from airline system

Acceptance

Limited; most airlines no longer issue them

Universally accepted since IATA's 2008 e-ticket mandate

Airlines have different policies when it comes to paper and electronic tickets. The approach is outlined by each individual airline in its Airline Policy .

Is it possible to book an open ticket?

An open ticket is an airline ticket with no fixed departure date or time. This allows travelers to keep their options open and maintain flexible plans. Availability varies from one airline to the next, depending on the policy they adopt.

When is an airline ticket issued?

Here's how the ticket issuance process works:

Make a reservation: Select your flight and complete the booking.
Airline creates system entry: The airline records your booking details in their system.
Submit personal information: Provide your name, contact details, and any required documentation.
PNR is generated: A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is created with your booking information.
Ticket is issued: Once the PNR is confirmed, your airline ticket is issued and sent to you.

Related Terms

Air Miles