eticketing

Electronic ticketing, or e-ticketing, is the issuance, storage, and management of tickets in digital form rather than on paper. It is widely used in transportation industries such as airlines, rail, and bus operators, as well as in live events and entertainment venues. An e-ticket is linked to a reservation and contains itinerary, passenger details, and payment status.

When a booking is completed, a reservation record (PNR) is created. An e-ticket is issued and associated with the passenger and reservation. The ticket is delivered electronically by email, a mobile app, or a digital wallet, and can be validated at check-in or entry by scanning a barcode or QR code, or by referencing the ticket number.

Standards and security: E-ticket systems use standardized data formats and identifiers, often integrated with global distribution systems (GDS) and airline-specific backends. Security practices include encryption, code signing, tamper-proof barcodes, and privacy protections. Ticketing status is updated in real time and can be canceled, refunded, or reissued according to policy.

Advantages and challenges: E-ticketing reduces the need for physical tickets, speeds up check-in, and simplifies inventory management and reporting. It improves passenger convenience and enables mobile and self-service entry. Challenges include fraud risk, system interoperability across operators, and dependence on digital devices and connectivity.

History and future: E-ticketing began in the airline industry in the late 20th century and became widespread in the 2000s. Today, it underpins most passenger travel and many events. Future trends emphasize mobile wallets, contactless entry, digital identity, and greater interoperability across providers.