Etickets, also known as electronic tickets, have become increasingly common in recent years. Many transportation companies and events now use etickets rather than traditional paper tickets. Etickets provide some advantages such as being more convenient, not getting lost as easily, and helping reduce paper waste.
However, some travelers still prefer having a paper ticket in hand. So can you change an eticket to a paper ticket if needed? The short answer is sometimes you can, but it depends on the specific airline, train company, etc. There are a few key things to know about changing etickets to paper tickets.
When Can You Change an Eticket to a Paper Ticket?
Whether you can change an eticket to a paper ticket will depend on the policies of the transportation company or event you booked with. Here are some general guidelines on when paper tickets may be available:
- Airlines – Most major airlines allow passengers to request paper tickets for an additional fee, usually around $50-$100. This fee covers the cost of printing and shipping the ticket.
- Trains/Buses – Intercity train and bus companies like Amtrak and Greyhound allow paper ticket exchanges for a small fee, around $10-$20.
- Local transportation – Local metro, bus, and train systems often do not allow exchanging etickets for paper tickets.
- Events – Sporting events, concerts, theaters, etc. have varying policies. Some allow paper ticket exchanges for a fee while others are strictly etickets only.
So in summary, whether you can switch an eticket to paper form depends on the specific company. Airlines and intercity transportation carriers are most likely to offer paper ticket exchanges for an extra cost. Always check the official policy with the provider before booking if you require a paper ticket.
Why Would You Want to Switch from Eticket to Paper?
There are a few common reasons travelers may want to exchange their eticket for a traditional paper ticket:
- Don’t have smartphone/printer access – If you don’t have a smartphone or printer at home, a paper ticket ensures you have your ticket in hand for your trip.
- Concern over tech issues – Some travelers worry about potential technology failures and prefer having a paper backup.
- Collecting tickets – Aviation enthusiasts enjoy collecting paper airline tickets and like having them as souvenirs from their trips.
- Easier to share/give away – Paper tickets can be easier to give away or share with a friend or family member compared to reassigning etickets.
- Familiarity – For those accustomed to paper tickets, they provide a sense of familiarity and comfort over newer etickets.
While etickets provide many benefits, traditional paper tickets give some travelers greater peace of mind. The extra security and convenience of a paper ticket is worth the small exchange fee for some passengers.
How Do You Exchange an Eticket for a Paper Ticket?
The process for changing an eticket to paper will vary by provider. But in general, here are the typical steps involved:
- Check the provider’s policy – Confirm that they allow paper ticket exchanges and learn the specific requirements and fees involved.
- Contact their customer service – Reach out to customer service by phone or online chat to request a paper ticket exchange.
- Pay exchange fee – You will need to pay the provider’s paper ticket exchange fee, usually $10-$100 depending on the company.
- Confirm mailing address – Provide the address where you want the paper ticket mailed.
- Receive paper ticket – You will receive your new paper ticket within 1-2 weeks via mail.
- Bring paper ticket when traveling – Be sure to bring your new paper ticket on your trip, you will no longer use the eticket.
Be sure to request the exchange with as much advance notice as possible, ideally at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. This ensures adequate time for processing and mailing. Following up with customer service is also wise to confirm when your paper ticket will be mailed.
Downsides to Exchanging Eticket for Paper
While paper tickets have some advantages for certain travelers, there are also a few downsides to keep in mind when exchanging an eticket:
- Added cost – You will incur an extra fee, usually $50-$100, to change to paper form.
- Processing time – It takes 1-2 weeks to receive a paper ticket via mail after requesting exchange.
- Could get lost/stolen – Paper tickets can be lost, damaged, or stolen with no way to recover them.
- Can’t easily change plans – Making any date changes means going through the exchange process again.
- Not eco-friendly – Paper tickets produce unnecessary paper waste and carbon emissions from printing and mailing.
For most travelers, the convenience and security of etickets outweigh the benefits of paper tickets. But for those who still prefer having a paper ticket, the option exists in most cases for an extra fee.
Key Takeaways on Exchanging Etickets for Paper Tickets
Here are some key tips on changing etickets to paper tickets:
- Check provider’s policy – Confirm if they allow exchanges and the fee amount.
- Request exchange well in advance – 2-3 weeks before trip recommended.
- Pay exchange fee – Typically $50-$100 depending on provider.
- Follow-up on mailing status – To ensure ticket arrives in time.
- Bring paper ticket when traveling – You will no longer use eticket.
- Weigh pros and cons – Consider downsides like cost, processing time, risk of loss.
Understanding the policies around exchanging etickets for paper can help you decide what works best for your situation. Reach out to customer service with any other questions you have about the process.
Example Scenarios of Exchanging Etickets for Paper
Here are a few examples of when travelers may request changing their eticket to a paper ticket and how it would work:
Traveler A
- Booked eticket for upcoming international flight on Major Airline.
- Doesn’t have smartphone or printer so wants paper ticket.
- Contacts customer service who confirms paper exchange is allowed for $100 fee.
- Pays fee and provides mailing address 3 weeks before departure.
- Receives new paper ticket in mail 1 week before trip.
- Brings paper ticket to airport and checks in without issue.
Traveler B
- Bought eticket for a concert at a local arena.
- Preferred having paper ticket as memorabilia from concert.
- Reached out to arena box office who informed no paper ticket exchanges available.
- Since arena only offered etickets, traveler kept original eticket.
- Accessed eticket on phone and entered venue on concert night.
Traveler C
- Booked train etickets for family trip on Amtrak.
- Wanted paper tickets to give children for trip excitement.
- Called Amtrak and paid $15 fee per ticket to exchange to paper.
- Received 4 paper tickets in the mail to provide to family.
- Kids enjoyed having tickets for train ride.
As these examples show, exchanging etickets for paper is possible in many cases with proper planning. But some providers may not allow exchanges at all. Follow the company’s official policy and contact them early if you need paper tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any risk to switching my eticket to paper?
There is a small risk that your paper ticket could get lost, stolen, or damaged with no way to recover it unlike with etickets. You also incur an extra exchange fee. And any changes mean going through the exchange process again. So paper tickets have some minor risks and downsides to weigh.
How early should I request a paper ticket exchange?
It’s recommended to exchange your eticket for a paper ticket at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your trip. This allows sufficient time for the provider to process your request and mail your paper ticket to you before you travel.
Can I exchange paper tickets back to etickets if I change my mind?
In most cases no, exchanging paper tickets back to etickets is not allowed. Once you opt to exchange your eticket for paper, that can’t be undone. You would simply use the paper ticket you received for any upcoming travel.
Do all major transportation providers allow eticket/paper exchanges?
No, each company has their own specific policy. While most major airlines and intercity train/bus companies allow exchanges for a fee, some budget carriers or local transportation providers may not permit any eticket/paper exchanges.
Is there a time limit on when I can exchange etickets for paper?
Most providers don’t impose a time limit, but you do need to request the exchange with sufficient advance notice to receive your paper ticket before traveling. Exchanging an eticket for paper the day before your trip would not be possible in most cases.
Changing Etickets to Paper Tickets: The Bottom Line
Etickets provide many conveniences and are used by most transportation companies today. But some travelers still prefer the traditional paper ticket. In many cases, you can request exchanging your eticket for paper for an additional processing fee. Airlines and intercity carriers are most likely to accommodate paper ticket exchanges. Be sure to understand the specific provider’s policy and request exchanges well in advance of traveling. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding to swap your convenient eticket for paper. With proper planning, you can often change etickets to paper tickets when needed for your trip.
