E-tix for the non-geek
 

My wife doesn't use the computer; she has no interest in it or learning anything about it. She stumped me today when she asked "How do poeple who are not computer-literate get e-tickets?" I told her that there were people at the airport who would help, but she said "How can I buy an e-ticket in advance without a computer?" Beats me. Answers?

Calling the airline reservation center will get you e-ticket, but there may be an extra service fee attached. Some of the LowCostCarriers don't have phone reservation centers so without an access to a computer you your only other choice would be to drive to the airport and buy a ticket from the ticket agent. You can also buy e-ticket from any local trravel agent (again, there will be extra fee involved)

Buying an e-ticket is not like buying an (mostly gone theses days) paper ticket. It is advisable to have the itinerary number with you but it's not necessary. All you need is a government issued photo ID. The TA or a kiosk will pull up your reservation based on your name and print the boardin passes.

e-ticket simply means the proof of purchase and all records are electronically stored on the airline's computers. You don't have to bring the original paper flight voucher to the airport.

You can still buy your tickets the old fashioned way, via a travel agent, or call the airline. They'll give you a 6-digital PNR (or so-called "reservation number"). They can send you a printed itinerary, but that's not even necessary. [Keep in mind that most airlines now charge $5 or more in service fees if you call them to buy a ticket instead of using their website.]

On day of travel, just bring your ID and have the 6-digit PNR to a kiosk at the airport, and print your boarding pass then.

About checking in the airport. Usually, you'll need one of three things, plus your ID. Either the 6-digit PNR, your FF number with that airline, or <b>a</b> credit card with the passenger's name. Usually doesn't even have to be the card you make the purchase with.

DL or a state ID will also do the trick, but it's not necessary. AA kiosks allow typing in your name and your destination. No need to run any card(s) or having the record locator through to pull up reservation.

Thanks, everyone. I do so much on the computer that she was concerned about what she would do if the mortality statistics get me when I am not looking.

So, she's planning some trips already?

Last week, <i>USA Today</i> reported that most airlines will stop issuing paper tickets by 1 June 2008.

http://tinyurl.com/34xk42

And the first airline to issue e tickets was..................




You guessed it......Southwest Airlines

<i>You guessed it......Southwest Airlines</i>

Is that around the same time they get rid of the plastic boarding passes?

Some think it was ValueJet in 1993...:-)