I recently bought two tickets using miles and received an e-mail with a record locator number and a line that said the ticket would follow within a few days. It didn't. So today I called Aadvantage and asked about the ticket and was told one would be sent to me. But all I got again was the same confirmation page. Is that how it works now? If so, what do I use as a ticket--just log in the day before the flight and use the record-locator number? I am totally confused.

You can log in anytime to view your trip by using your locator. You’ll likely find your eticket number somewhere in your trip details, usually where the fare is shown. You don’t need an eticket number to check in, just locator. It’s also likely the eticket number is in your email confirmation.

At least the most recent form I received shows the flight as ticketed. That's progress, I suppose.

That “most recent” form is your ticket. You won’t get anything else unless between now and you departure date there is a change in your flight time.

As Odin says all you need to check-in is your name and Record Locator.

Thanks for clarifying.