ONLINE TICKET BOOKING

ONLINE TICKET

Electronic ticketing in the airline industry was devised in about 1994. Joel R. Goheen is recognized as the inventor of electronic ticketing in the airline industry. See Patents for Electronic Ticketing Inventions in the Airline Industry.

E-ticketing has largely replaced the older multi-layered paper ticketing systems, and since 1 June 2008, it has been mandatory for IATA members. Where paper tickets are still available, some airlines charge a fee for issuing paper tickets.

When a reservation is confirmed, the airline keeps a record of the booking in its computer reservations system. Customers can print out or are provided with a copy of their e-ticket itinerary receipt which contains the record locator or reservation number and the e-ticket number. It is possible to print multiple copies of an e-ticket itinerary receipt.

Besides providing itinerary details, an e-ticket itinerary receipt also contains:

An official ticket number (including the airline's 3-digit ticketing code, a 4-digit form number, a 6-digit serial number, and sometimes a check digit).
Carriage terms and conditions, (or at least a reference to them)
Fare and tax details, including fare calculation details and some additional data such as tour codes. The exact cost might not be stated, but a "fare basis" code will always identify the fare used.
A short summary of fare restrictions, usually specifying only whether change or refund are permitted but not the penalties to which they are subject.
Form of payment.
Issuing office.
Baggage allowance.