Actually, it was assumed that the whole world would switch to electronic airline tickets (E-ticket) from January 1, 2008, but due to the technical unpreparedness of many airlines and airports (including domestic ones), the D-day was moved to June 1 of the current year.
The technology of selling electronic tickets appeared in 1996 in the USA. Its convenience lies in the fact that the passenger does not need to have a paper document at all. Such a ticket cannot be forgotten, lost, or damaged, and it cannot be stolen. All necessary information is stored electronically. Access to it is provided through special terminals located at airports that work with E-tickets. The ticket can be purchased directly on the airline's website without using intermediaries. E-ticket allows the passenger to check in remotely, choosing in advance, for example, the most convenient seat in the aircraft cabin. With an electronic ticket, it is easier not only to check in but also to book seats on international flights, change the date and direction of the flight.
You can also purchase an electronic ticket at the airline's sales office or by phone – in this case, the booking confirmation sent by email will be handed to you. Airlines recommend keeping it throughout the entire trip.
For now, most airlines use both forms of tickets, encouraging consumers to buy electronic tickets with various discounts and bonuses.
The decision to gradually switch to electronic tickets was made in 2004 by the International Air Transport Association IATA (International Air Transport Association) – a non-governmental organization headquartered in Montreal (Canada), uniting about 400 airlines from 163 countries and territories around the world. As "Novye Izvestia" notes, IATA members account for 94% of international flights, and all of them operate in the BSP settlement system that operates within this organization. IATA experts are confident that with electronic tickets, just on paper and printing, world airlines will save at least $3 billion per year, since one electronic ticket costs $1, and a paper one costs $10.