100% ET from 1 June - What consumers need to know
What’s happening
- IATA paper tickets will no longer be issued by travel agents as of 1 June 2008. Agents will then only use electronic tickets (ET).
The industry is prepared
- The airline industry has been working towards the goal of 100% ET since June 2004. As a result, the vast majority of itineraries - over 95% - are already issued as ET. In addition, airlines have developed options for travel agents to ticket the small percentage of itineraries that cannot use ET.
Paper tickets issued before 1 June
- All IATA paper tickets issued prior to 1 June 2008 remain valid for travel, refund or exchange, subject to any fare restrictions for the purchased fare. Passengers do not need to exchange these tickets for electronic tickets.
Passengers buying tickets in the United States
- Travel agents in the USA are not part of the IATA mandate and may continue to issue paper tickets after 1 June.
At your travel agency
- If your travel agent cannot issue an electronic ticket for your journey, there are several options available. For example, your travel agent may be able to still make the reservation and collect payment. Your airline may then issue the actual ticket. In these cases, your travel agent will work with your airline to issue you a paper ticket.
What passengers will receive
- Your travel agent will provide you with an itinerary receipt for your travel. This may be sent to you via email, fax, internet or mail. You can also collect it in person at your travel agent or airline.
The benefits of ET
- It’s quicker and easier to receive an itinerary receipt electronically than a physical paper ticket.
- It’s impossible to lose an electronic ticket - all your ticket information is stored in computer systems.
- It’s easier to make changes to itineraries - picking up a new or altered paper ticket from an airline or travel agent is no longer necessary.
June 2008