An airline ticket is the confirmation that a traveler has paid for and secured a seat on a specific flight. Most tickets today are issued electronically (e-tickets) and are linked to a booking via a unique passenger name record (PNR). The ticket includes critical information such as the traveler’s name, flight details, seat class, baggage allowance, fare rules, and terms for changes or cancellations.
A booking and a ticket are not always the same. A booking reserves the space temporarily, while the ticket is proof of purchase and travel entitlement. Some fares allow for a hold without immediate ticketing, but this comes with strict deadlines—especially when booking through a TMC or GDS.
Tickets are typically non-transferable and governed by airline policies and fare rules, which determine how flexible or restrictive they are. These rules impact everything from refund eligibility to loyalty point accrual.
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For business travel, ticketing is about more than confirming a seat—it’s about control, timing, and risk management. Choosing the wrong fare can lead to costly change fees or missed opportunities to rebook when plans shift. Travel managers must understand when tickets are issued, what conditions apply, and how to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Many companies use a TMC to manage the ticketing process, including fare selection, change tracking, and reissue support. Agencies can also hold tickets for approval before committing to payment, a valuable feature when bookings need internal sign-off.
Proper ticketing ensures the traveler gets where they need to go, but also that the company retains flexibility when priorities change.
An executive is booked on a non-refundable economy ticket for a client visit. When the meeting is rescheduled, the fare cannot be reused and a new ticket must be purchased at full price. A flexible fare booked through the corporate agency would have allowed for a free change or a low reissue fee.
In another case, a company holds a group block for 12 employees attending a tradeshow. Tickets are issued only once names are confirmed and approvals received. This minimizes risk and avoids having to cancel non-transferable fares.
