Say goodbye to paper tickets

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

See recent posts by Josh Roberts

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Reuters (via USAToday.com) reports that by the end of 2007 paper airline tickets could “[go the way of] other rapidly disappearing industry services such as in-flight meals and free pillows.” In other words, no more paper tickets.

At least, that’s how the International Air Transport Association (IATA)—a global trade organization—wants things to play out. The IATA notes that only about four percent of all tickets issued by U.S. airlines are paper tickets, and the goal is to eliminate them altogether.

Apparently a paper ticket costs an airline $10 “to process” while an electronic ticket costs just $1. Assuming those numbers are accurate, I can see the argument. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I was issued a paper ticket for a domestic itinerary (they’re much more prevalent on international flights).

So what happens if you still want a paper ticket? I doubt paper will disappear entirely, but expect to pay an extra fee for the convenience.

(But don’t expect the airlines to pass their paper-cost savings back on to you. That’s just crazy talk.)

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