How to Print Plane Tickets

Airline boarding passes can always be reproduced with a confirmation number and ID.

Given the widespread use of computers and the Internet, many airlines today utilize online accounts to provide travelers with their plane tickets. Historically, until the 1990s, airline companies used to provide a multi-layer ticket form with various sections being perforated for easy separation by ticket officials. Today, a traveler can simply click a computer print button on an airline website. These printed tickets can be produced in multiple paper copies which can then be scanned with an airline bar code reader when validating travel by plane.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Purchased airline ticket
• Printer
• Paper

Instructions

1. Turn your computer on and access the Internet once the operating software and Internet browser have loaded. Turn on your email software as well.

2. Click on the Internet to migrate to your airline's website. Purchase an airline ticket online with your credit card, inputting the identification and purchase data as instructed on the airline website. Wait for your ticket and confirmation receipt to appear.

3. Turn on your computer printer. Insert blank paper. Print two copies of the screen displaying your ticket and confirmation receipt.

4. Wait for the printer to finish producing the copies and confirm that the documents printed as desired. Close out the screen and file one copy in your paperwork. Bring the second copy with you to the airport.

5. Show your government identification, like a driver's license or passport, and your printed ticket to get past airport security and to board your plane.

Tips & Warnings

• If you forget to print your ticket but you have your confirmation number, many major airlines allow you to print a duplicate boarding pass at their convenient kiosks in the airport. Otherwise you will need to show your ID and provide your name for a counter clerk to print a ticket for you.

• If you choose to still go with an official airline ticket rather than a printed e-ticket, you must protect it. If it is lost during travel, only an airline ticket office can produce a new one.

References

• World Travel Service: Online Check-In/Print Boarding Pass
• Southwest Airlines: Check In Online
• United Airlines: Traveling With e-Tickets