Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air abandon paper tickets

Airline Industry Information, Sept 16, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air yesterday (15 September) discontinued issuing paper airline tickets.

According to the two airlines, the move will streamline ticket distribution systems, reduce costs and ultimately improve the travel experience. All tickets for travel on the two airlines, including interline travel originating on other carriers, will now be issued as electronic tickets. Both airlines will continue to accept existing paper tickets through to 14 September 2006.

According to the airlines, most of the world's airlines have committed to eliminating paper tickets by 2007. This has been done through an initiative organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA reportedly estimates that the industry can save USD3bn annually in direct costs by eliminating paper tickets.

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