Electronic tickets are here to stay. Here is how to deal with them!
With more electronic tickets issued for an increasing number of flights, the days of the paper ticket are numbered. One-third of American Airlines' customers now travel on E-tickets, which are essentially computerized plane reservations. Airlines love them because of the lower handling costs. Alaska Air, Delta, and Southwest are currently offering bonus frequent-flier miles for using E-tickets (though you must book online for most offers). Can consumers trust them?
Usually, yes. For direct domestic flights on one airline, using an E-ticket is fast and convenient. Checking in at the airport is as simple as showing a photo ID and, for some airlines like USAirways, the credit card you used to purchase your E-ticket. Many carriers like American and Continental make the procedure even easier with electronic readers at U.S. jetways that read a passenger's frequent-flier or credit card and pull up the reservation. Another plus: With an e-ticket you would never have to pay the airline's $75 lost-ticket fee or buy an expensive replacement ticket at a last-minute fare.
But sometimes you are still better off holding a paper ticket. If for any reason your flight is canceled - - bad weather, mechanical problem or an airline strike - - you can walk up to the counter of any other airline and they should accept your paper ticket for a flight (as long as it is 'endorsable', as most full-fare tickets are, though most discount tickets are not). If you have an E-ticket, you first must get the original airline to issue a paper ticket - - a time-consuming extra step. Airlines are improving the electronic transfer process, called "interlining". American Airlines expects to achieve interline E-ticketing with United by this winter. Other airlines should follow suit.
If you do fly with an E-ticket, keep the piece of paper the airline sends you with your confirmation number. It will come in handy should the computer "lose" your reservation, or if you have a problem with the credit-card billing or frequent-flier mileage.
Some tips to buy the tickets online:
Make sure that when you are buying the tickets online, you choose a reliable and trusted side for the purpose. This will ensure a secure payment method. Also make sure that you select the right flight, keeping in mind the dates and the departure and arrival timings of your chosen flight. Once you book your tickets online, canceling them could be time-consuming.
No comments:
Post a Comment