What do flight tickets look like?
If you have taken a flight in the last five years, you are probably familiar with E-tickets. Nonetheless, there is still some confusion about E-tickets, flight tickets and boarding passes. In this blog, we answer all the questions you might have about flight tickets.
What is a flight ticket/E-ticket
So, what is a flight ticket/E-ticket?
A flight ticket and E-ticket are almost the same thing. The difference is that an E-ticket is digital and a flight ticket is often printed on paper.
In fact, these tickets are nothing more than a reservation for a ticket on the airplane. They are actually a 'receipt' which proves that you have paid. During check-in, you pick up your boarding pass by showing the flight ticket or E-ticket and a valid travel document at the check-in counter.
What does an E-ticket look like?
Although E-tickets may look different depending on the company, they often have the same information on it, including the E-ticket number.
What does your E-ticket look like?
Includes:
- Booking number: Your booking number is a reference that allows the Budgetair customer service to assist you to the best of their ability. You can use the booking number to manage your booking in your Budgetair account.
- E-ticket number: Both your E-ticket number and your booking number are used to store your flight ticket in your Apple or Google Wallet if you have one. If you do not have one, you can always bring a printed (or digital) version of your flight ticket to the check-in counter.
- Flight number: You can use your flight number to look up details about your flight on a website such as Flightstats.com.
- Class: This is the travel class you will be traveling in. The names of classes vary, depending on the airline. Your ticket usually shows Economy or Business class, depending on which class you have booked.
- Online check-in number: You can use this number to check in online and choose a seat if the airline offers this service. It is useful to know in advance how long before take-off you can check in.
- Departure: Here you will find details such as the date and the expected departure and arrival times of your outbound flight.
- Arrival: Here you will find details such as the date and the expected departure and arrival times of your return flight.
- Luggage: This indicates how many pieces of luggage you can take with you. It is useful to keep the maximum baggage allowance in mind. If your suitcase is too heavy, chances are you will have to pay an additional fee at the check-in counter.
Never take selfies with your E-ticket or boarding pass! Other people can use the information on it to cancel your flight or commit fraud. We also advise against sharing your departure and arrival dates on social media.
What is a boarding pass?
A boarding pass is a ticket that provides access to the airport, the airplane, and often a specific seat on the airplane. You will receive your boarding pass after showing your E-ticket and a valid travel document at the check-in counter. If you check in online you will receive your boarding pass digitally. You can then bring the digital version or print it out. This is definitely useful if you are traveling with hand luggage only! The example below shows what a boarding pass looks like.
What does your boarding pass look like?
Includes
- Name: Your first and last name go here. Read this blog to find out which name you should use on your ticket.
- Flight: This is your flight number, which also appears on your E-ticket.
- AT: This is the estimated departure time of the airplane.
- Class: This is the cabin class you are flying in. A and F stand for 'first class'; B, M, Y is economy class; and C or J is business class.
- Seat: This is your seat number. This seat reserved for you. Your boarding pass can also say 'Unassigned' or 'Assigned at gate' if no seat has been reserved.
- Sequence: Sometimes your boarding pass has a sequence number. This equals the number of boarding passes that have been printed. The person after you will receive a higher number and the person before you will have a lower number.
- Boarding Time: This is the time the flight will start boarding. Make sure you are at the gate at this time.
- Group: In some cases your ticket also mentions a 'Group'. This is called at the gate to speed up the boarding process. The cabin crew will announce 'Now boarding group A', which means that everyone with 'Group A' on their ticket can board.
Never take selfies with your E-ticket or boarding pass! Other people can use the information on it to cancel your flight or commit fraud. We also advise against sharing your departure and arrival dates on social media.
Difference between flight ticket and boarding pass
The difference between a flight ticket and a boarding pass is how you use them. You use a flight ticket or E-ticket to check in at the check-in counter and get your boarding pass. With the boarding pass, you get access to the airport and the airplane. Your boarding pass also would show your specific seat assignment, unless the traveler(s) is(are) instructed that seats are assigned at the boarding gate. It is recommended to keep both documents with you during the entire flight.
Now you know exactly what all the details on your boarding pass mean and you are completely ready for take-off. Haven't booked a ticket yet? Go find one on Budgetair.com.