TWA, CDG Airport, and E-Tickets
 

I have seen several messages that say if using an E-Ticket on TWA to expect trouble at Paris-CDG when checking in for the return flight to USA. I have flown to CDG many times, as well as numerous other airports in Europe, but always with "real" paper tickets. This will be the first time with an E-Ticket. I am looking for everyone's experiences, good and bad, in using E-Tickets with TWA at CDG. Seems that there is at least one agent there (often named the Dragon Lady in other posts) that just has a real problem with E-Tickets. Thanks in advance for any feed back. If responses tell me that it is a real hassle, I will probably request paper tickets be issued (not going until end of November).

I never leave home wothout a paper ticket. You will find that in this "paperless" society, that if something goes wrong (Murphy is alive and well) and it will, you are prepared. Have a wonderful trip!!

We met with the dragon lady at TWA at CDG! Do yourself a favor and request a paper ticket before you leave home. Then you won't have to stand in her presence while she converts your e-ticket to a paper ticket at CDG. Saves time and will be one less hassle for you. <BR> <BR>Bon voyage

Had TWA return tickets for Sept 11 stolen from our room at Hotel Bersoly's (28, rue de Lille)on Sept. 5 <BR>They were electronic tickets purchased over internet for which I had gotten paper tickets. Had photocopy of paper tickets & firmly believe that without that we would still be in CDG or had to pay full fare back -- as it was it cost us $75 to replace stolen tickets. <BR> <BR>Get Paper Tickets -- and stash photocopies in several places.

<BR>Up to the top for Curious George <BR>

I didn't have any trouble with the TWA part of our ticketing, but had problems with the Delta leg of an eticket. We persevered until they got it straight. I like paper tickets because computers go down/paper tickets can be converted by other airlines. However, there is always the danger of lossing the paper tickets. Marilyn

I concur with the other posters -- ALWAYS get a paper ticket, no matter what airline you are flying, and no matter where you are going. Even the airlines admit that a paper ticket is your only TRUE proof of purchase. Despite our increasingly computerized society, paper documents are still the way to go. If your airline insists on an e-ticket, consider going to a ticket office or to the airport, and getting them to print you a paper ticket. <BR> <BR>I also like Marion's suggestion of making photocopies of your tickets, and would even go a little further. Make photocopies of your passport, as well, and consider leaving copies of your passport & tickets with someone back here (just in case). <BR> <BR>Bon Voyage!

There is nothing wrong with E tickets. You are always able to print out your receipt for an E ticket from any airline if doing it online. Print out your receipt and keep it for evidence. <BR>Short of that, you have no way to prove your reservation. But I guess, if you lost your ticket, you're probably in the same boat.

Say you lost the E-ticket receipt, and the dragon lady makes you pay up. Couldn't you just straighten it out with the airline when you get home? Your refund will be posted to your credit card before you get your monthly statement.

On the copies if you have access to a scanner you can scan the copies and keep them on a disk. It's my understanding that you can get your passports replaced easier this way. Marilyn

My experiences weren't in Paris, but I think were indicative of how paperless tickets are perceived in Europe. <BR> <BR>In Heathrow, of all places, my husband and I almost didn't make it through one of the security checkpoint (we had flown from Washington, and were flying on it Belfast) because the security guard insisted that we show him our paper ticket. Then, on the way home, the BA ticket agent in Belfast had never heard of paperless tickets and had to call in her supervisor. Since then, I always get a paper ticket when I fly outside the U.S.

I had e-tickets for TWA to and from Paris, and luckily I had no trouble at the airport. However, TWA's reservation division is frustratingly incompetent. Take no chances with them on the e-tickets. <BR> <BR>Flying TWA coach on an international flight is like being in a Turkish prison (no offense). I would spend the extra money just to avoid TWA after my last trip.

Photocopying paper tickets? Paying 75.00 for replacements? waiting for a refund? You don't need any of that with an electronic ticket. If you have a eticket you never have to worry about any of the above. All you need is your passport. Your back up is your ticket number, however, all the other stuff is unnecessary (ie photocopies, receipts etc). If you have to be rebooked due to a cancellation you still need to wait in line to get rebooked on to another line (unless you paid full fare, no other airline will take your cheapo tickets without endoresement from the airline). Etickets are the way to go. Much easier and you don't have to worry about losing them or being stolen.

In the CDG duty free shop this summer, my boarding pass evaporated. To this day, I have no idea where it went. I had visions of living as a recluse at CDG because of it, but soon found out that because I had an E-ticket, it could be reissued immediately. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages to both paper and E-tickets.

And what if they say they can't find you in the computer? I always want to have that ticket in my hand, thank you!

If I'd had a paper ticket, I would have had to pay full fare to replace the boarding pass then try to collect from the airline later! Under some circumstances it's good to have an E-ticket, and sometimes it's good to have a paper ticket, we've done it both ways.