In today’s digital world, electronic or mobile tickets (e-tickets) have become a convenient and common way to receive tickets for flights, events, public transit and more. Rather than receiving traditional paper tickets, e-tickets are delivered electronically via email, text or through an app. This allows tickets to easily be stored on your smartphone or other mobile device. However, there are still times when having a paper printout of your ticket is needed or preferred.
Why Print E-Tickets?
There are a few main reasons why you may want to print out your e-ticket:
- Some venues, events or transit systems still require a paper ticket for entry. Printing out your e-ticket ensures you’ll have the right documentation.
- You want a back-up option in case your phone dies, loses connection or you can’t access the e-ticket on your device.
- It can be easier to quickly access a printed ticket rather than digging through your phone.
- Printing tickets makes it easy to give family, friends or clients their passes without having to transfer digital tickets.
- Some people simply prefer having a tangible, printed ticket over using their phone.
Bottom line – printing e-tickets gives you a great fail-safe and convenience in case you run into any issues with digital access when you need to present your ticket. It never hurts to have a physical back-up.
Can E-Tickets Be Printed?
The good news is that the vast majority of e-tickets can be printed out. Most airlines, transit systems, theaters, venues and more that offer digital ticketing also provide the ability to print out tickets if needed. There are just a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to check the official policy of the company issuing the ticket. A few restrict digital tickets to mobile-only access but most allow printing.
- Follow the printing instructions provided. There may be specific guidelines on how to print the ticket properly.
- Only print valid tickets from official sources to avoid fraud.
- Some e-tickets have QR codes that must remain intact for scanning. Use care when printing.
- Print in high-quality. Low ink or blurred printing can make the barcodes unscannable.
If you purchase an e-ticket from a reputable company and print it out following their guidelines, you should have no issues. Contact the ticket issuer directly if you have any doubts about your ability to print a particular ticket.
How to Print E-Tickets
Printing e-tickets is a quick and easy process in most cases. Here are some general steps to follow:
- Open the email, text or mobile app notification containing your e-ticket. This likely came shortly after your purchase.
- Look for a print icon or link that will open up a full view of the e-ticket. This will display the complete ticket details.
- Make sure the ticket shows key details like your name, ticket ID, barcode/QR code, event details, seat assignments, etc.
- Double check the ticket for any printing instructions or restrictions provided by the vendor.
- Select print and choose your printer. Use high-quality settings for best results.
- Inspect your printed ticket to ensure all details are legible, especially the barcode.
Some tips for getting the best printouts of your e-tickets:
- Use a high-quality printer, preferably laser for crisp text and images.
- Select the highest quality print settings – “Best” or “High” quality is ideal.
- Always use new ink and high-quality paper to prevent smudging.
- Print in black and white if you notice color ink causing blurred text or images.
- Double check margins to ensure no details are cut off.
- Adjust brightness/contrast if the printed ticket looks too light or dark.
Troubleshooting Problems Printing E-Tickets
In most cases, you’ll have no issues printing valid e-tickets that you purchased from reputable providers. But occasionally you may run into problems like:
- The print icon or link is missing – Look for help/FAQ sections on the provider’s website or app for guidance. Contact their customer service if needed.
- Details are cut off – Adjust print settings/margins and reprint. If that fails, contact the ticket issuer.
- Blurry or illegible print – Try reprinting at highest quality. Switch to black and white mode. If problems persist, your printer may be low ink or need maintenance.
- Information missing from ticket – Verify you are printing the complete ticket view, not just the email receipt. Contact the ticket issuer if details seem actually omitted.
With most major e-ticket providers, you’ll be able to get prompt help if your tickets won’t print properly. They want to ensure a smooth experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service team for troubleshooting assistance if needed.
Printing Specific E-Ticket Types
Printing Airline E-Tickets
The vast majority of major airlines provide the option to print e-tickets and use them for check-in and boarding instead of mobile passes. Here are tips for ensuring your printed airline tickets have what you need:
- Print both the full ticket receipt and boarding pass which contains the barcode.
- Be sure full passenger name, flight details, and booking code are included.
- Only print tickets in your name – non-transferrable.
- Use black and white printing if barcode looks unclear.
- Bring government-issued ID to match your name on the ticket.
Printing Concert and Event Tickets
Whether it’s a concert, sports game or show, printed event tickets work just like traditional hard tickets. Follow venue policies and print with these tips:
- Use the dedicated print button/link in your email confirmation or app.
- Only print valid tickets – watch for “not for resale” restrictions.
- Check details like seat assignments, event name, date and venue.
- Bring the credit card used for purchase as venues may require ID matching.
- Print multiple copies as needed for your whole group.
Printing Public Transportation and Transit Tickets
Printable e-tickets are available for passes and fare cards from subway systems, bus services, railways and more. Here’s how to print properly:
- Follow all instructions provided for printing barcodes, QR codes and magnetic strips.
- Check expiry dates and travel zones/routes listed.
- Make sure your name or ID photo prints clearly where required.
- Print multiple passes if needed for roundtrip journeys.
- Laminating printed tickets can protect them from damage.
Top Tips for Managing Printed Tickets
Once you’ve successfully printed your e-tickets, be sure to manage them carefully by following these tips:
- File printed tickets away safely – Keep them in a folder, envelope or clip. Don’t loosely toss them in bags.
- Avoid folding tickets if possible to prevent creasing barcodes. If folding, be gentle.
- Check tickets before leaving – Glance at key details like dates, names, seats, etc.
- Have tickets easily accessible when arriving at venue – don’t bury them in your bag.
- Bring ID or payment matching the ticket to prove authenticity if required.
- Don’t laminate tickets unless instructions permit it, as they may not scan properly.
- Keep tickets dry & clean – moisture and stains can damage barcodes.
Storing E-Tickets If Not Printing
In instances where you prefer to keep your tickets digital and won’t print, be sure to safely store and manage them on your mobile device:
- Save tickets to your device’s wallet, if available.
- Take screenshots of tickets to have as back-ups.
- Keep your device charged and connect to WiFi in venues whenever possible.
- Enable offline access for apps hosting tickets when available.
- Bookmark ticket web pages or PDFs for easy access.
- Have the ticket purchaser’s contact info handy in case transfers are needed.
With proper storage and access preparations, you can comfortably use e-tickets from your smartphone. But the option to print as a fail-safe is always there if you need it!
Key Takeaways on Printing E-Tickets
- It’s possible to print the vast majority of e-tickets from airlines, transit, theaters and other vendors.
- Printing provides a convenient back-up option in case digital tickets are inaccessible.
- Follow all ticket vendor instructions carefully when printing barcodes, QR codes, etc.
- Troubleshoot any printing issues promptly with the ticket issuer.
- Manage printed tickets carefully to avoid damage, stains, folds, etc.
- With preparation, e-tickets can be securely used from your mobile device without printing.
Conclusion
While e-tickets provide great convenience through mobile access, the ability to print them as needed is an excellent fail-safe. If you ever run into technical problems accessing your digital ticket, have a paper copy on hand for easy back-up. Carefully follow ticket vendor instructions for printing and properly manage any hard copies. With this approach, you can enjoy the flexibility that e-tickets provide while also having the assurance that comes from printed passes!
