no more paper tickets from 1 June

On 1 June 2008 paper airline tickets will no longer be an option if you fly with one of the member airlines of The International Air Transport Association (IATA), says the association who represents some 240 airlines. As of 1 June all travellers should be issued electronic tickets (e-tickets).

IATA’s reasons for pushing the conversion to e-tickets are “to reduce costs and improve passenger convenience”.

For the past 4 years IATA has been helping airlines convert from paper tickets to e-tickets. IATA was originally aiming for all airlines to be issuing electronic tickets by the end of 2007, but airlines were granted another 5 months to complete the transition.

I think, it will be an incredible achievement if IATA really manages to introduce 100% e-ticketing. Of course many airlines have already introduced e-tickets, so regular travellers should be comfortable with the system by now. Personally I cannot remember the last time I was issued a paper ticket.

However, if you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of not getting a paper ticket, IATA has put together an e-ticket fact sheet that may put your mind at ease.

If the fact sheet doesn’t answer all your questions, you can also head to IATA’s website, where you’ll find a Frequently Asked Questions area specifically for e-ticketing.

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