Yellowknife (July 11/03) - The electronic ticketing process in the airline industry doesn't seem to be keeping travellers from being bound to a piece of paper.

When purchasing an electronic ticket, it is important you keep your receipt. Andy Young, a Canadian North customer service agent, would be happy to provide one on request. - Merle Robillard/NNSL photo

The old ticketing system had travellers hanging on to a coupon for every leg of their trip to prove their ticket was paid for. The new electronic tickets are supposed to keep travellers paper-free, but travellers are finding they do need a piece of paper -- the receipt.

Several travellers using electronic tickets said they've experienced problems when trying to change planes in Southern airports, because they couldn't prove they'd purchased tickets.

One man, who didn't want to be named, said when he was trying to change planes in Edmonton, the ticketing agent didn't have any record of his paid electronic ticket. Because he didn't have a receipt, the man said he had to pay for a new ticket, but was reimbursed later.

Randy Straker, manager of service and system integration at Canadian North, said keeping an electronic ticket receipt is helpful, but shouldn't be entirely necessary.

"All that's required is some picture proof of identity," said Straker.

But Straker did say he would be more comfortable letting a passenger on a plane who had proof of purchase then just identification.

Melissa Stead, a travel agent at Marlin Travel, said hanging on to the itinerary is also helpful.

Stead said the itinerary is given when a traveller purchases a ticket from an agent. The itinerary is important because it shows what flights the traveller is confirmed on, the ticket number, how the ticket was paid for and the final destination.

Stead said holding on to this paper and the receipt is the best protection against any confusion.

Wendy Bisaro, manager of Mack Travel, said booking with a travel agent, instead of the Internet, is another way travellers can keep themselves out of a confusing situation.

"If people use travel agents they can call them for help, but if they book online they are pretty much out of luck if something happens," said Bisaro. "They can't talk to a computer."

Bisaro said taking identification with you when you travel is also a must.

"I think it's coming soon that even going to the United States Canadians will require a passport," Bisaro said.

"Nobody should leave home without picture ID and no one should leave the country without their proof of citizenship," she added.