Understanding Delta's Electronic Ticketing System
For travel on domestic U.S. routes and the majority of international services, Delta Air Lines provides an electronic reservation that includes a record locator tied to a specific itinerary. Since June 2008, the International Air Transport Association has required its member carriers to adopt e-ticketing.
By Charlie Scott
If you fly without luggage, a Delta e-ticket allows you to go directly to the gate on domestic flights.
Delta Air Lines issues e-tickets, which are electronic bookings containing a record locator assigned to a particular passenger itinerary. These are used for flights within the United States and for most international routes. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has mandated e-ticketing for its member airlines since June 2008.
Background
In 1998, the U.S. Patent Office granted a patent for an "electronic ticketing and reservation system and method" to inventor Joel R. Goheen. The e-ticket design described in that original patent was modified multiple times before it became operational.
How E-Tickets Are Issued
As soon as a flight is booked and payment is completed, Delta provides an e-ticket confirmation number. When the booking is made over the phone or via a travel agent, the passenger receives a Delta reservation number, and a copy of the reservation is sent by mail.
Checking In Online
Travelers on domestic Delta flights who do not need to check luggage can print their boarding passes in advance using their e-ticket reservation number on the internet. After arriving at the airport, these passengers only need to go through security and proceed to their departure gate.
At the Airport
Those who are checking bags must visit a Delta ticket counter staffed by agents at the airport. The passenger provides the e-ticket reservation booking code to the agent, who then issues the boarding pass and processes the luggage check.
