Dummy Tickets & Flight Documents
The 13-digit e-ticket number: where to find it and how it’s built
An e-ticket number is the 13-digit number an airline issues once your fare is paid. The first three digits identify the airline that issued it. It proves you hold a ticket, which a booking reference alone doesn’t.
An e-ticket number is the 13-digit number an airline gives your ticket once the fare has been paid and the ticket issued. It’s the airline’s proof that you’ve bought the right to travel. The first three digits tell you which airline issued it: American Airlines tickets start with 001, Delta’s with 006, Qatar Airways’ with 157 and Emirates’ usually with 176.
It’s easy to confuse with the six-character booking reference on the same email. They do different jobs, and knowing which is which saves time at airline desks and on hold to customer service.
Where to find it
Look for a label such as ticket number, e-ticket number, ticket no. or document number:
- Confirmation email or e-ticket receipt: often near the passenger name, sometimes at the top of the receipt. Emirates, for example, prints it near the top right.
- Airline app or “manage booking” page: usually under passenger or payment details.
- Travel agent’s itinerary: agents often list it beside each passenger.
If there’s no ticket number anywhere, your booking probably hasn’t been ticketed yet. That’s normal for a held reservation and for some agent bookings before payment. Our guide to reservations vs tickets explains the difference.
How the 13 digits are built
| Part | Digits | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Airline code | First 3 | The airline that issued the ticket (its passenger accounting code) |
| Document number | Remaining 10 | A serial number unique to that ticket |
You’ll often see it written with a hyphen after the airline code, for example 176-XXXXXXXXXX. The hyphen is only formatting.
The three-digit airline code is separate from the familiar two-character airline code. IATA assigns airlines both: Aer Lingus, for example, is EI and 053. Our guide to airline codes covers how the different code systems fit together, and the airline code finder matches codes to airlines.
The issuing airline isn’t always the airline you fly
The prefix names the airline that issued the ticket. If you bought a journey from one airline that includes a flight operated by a partner, your whole ticket can carry the first airline’s prefix. Check each flight’s “operated by” line to see who’s actually flying you.
One booking, several ticket numbers
- Several passengers: each person gets their own ticket number, even when they share one booking reference. Qatar Airways notes that tickets issued together get consecutive numbers.
- Extras: some airlines issue separate numbers for paid extras such as seats or bags. American Airlines mentions this for add-ons.
- Long or complex journeys can be split across more than one linked ticket.
Ticket number vs booking reference
| Ticket number | Booking reference (PNR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | 13 digits | Usually 6 letters and numbers |
| Identifies | One passenger’s paid ticket | The whole booking |
| Exists | Only after payment and ticketing | From the moment the booking is made |
| Typical use | Refunds, claims, proof of purchase, some check-ins | Managing the booking, online check-in |
For more on the booking reference, see PNRs and booking references.
When you’ll need it
- Refunds, changes and claims. Airlines and agents often ask for the ticket number because it’s tied to the payment.
- Proving you hold a ticket, for example to an employer or when a booking needs to be found by another airline’s desk.
- Checking a document is real. A real ticket number can be looked up by the issuing airline. A planning sample, like the ones Your Flight Help makes, never shows one.
Keep it private. Like your booking reference, it’s tied to your booking and payment.
Questions people ask
Is the e-ticket number the same as the confirmation number?
No. The confirmation number is usually the six-character booking reference. The e-ticket number is 13 digits.
Why doesn’t my booking have a ticket number?
It probably hasn’t been ticketed yet: the fare may be on hold, awaiting payment, or awaiting an agent’s ticketing. If you’ve paid and still see none after a day or so, ask whoever sold it.
Can I check in with my ticket number?
Some airlines let you, but the booking reference with your surname is the usual way. Check your airline’s check-in page.
Rules for visas, entry and airline check-in change, and they differ by nationality and destination. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official authority or your airline.