Tickets are classified into two types: paper tickets, which include physical coupons or vouchers, and electronic tickets (e-tickets), which are stored digitally.
GhanaWeb Business provides insights into how booking a flight involves multiple steps and systems working together to ensure a seamless and efficient process.
Please note that price ranges may vary depending on the airline.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works:
1. Flight Search
A traveler can search for flights through various platforms, including:
• The airline’s official website.
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia, Kayak, and Skyscanner.
• Traditional travel agencies that provide assistance with flight booking.
• Meta-search engines that aggregate flight prices from multiple sources to help travelers find the best deals.
2. Flight Selection and Booking
Once a suitable flight is found, the traveler proceeds with the booking process:
• The airline’s Central Reservation System (CRS) checks the availability of seats.
• If the flight has available seats, the system creates a Passenger Name Record (PNR).
• The PNR contains essential details such as the traveler’s name, flight number, departure and arrival times, seat selection, and contact details.
• The PNR acts as a reference number for managing the booking and issuing the ticket.
3. Ancillary Services and Frequent Flyer Benefits
During the booking process, travelers have the option to add extra services, such as:
• Seat selection: Choosing a preferred seat, such as an aisle or window seat.
• Baggage allowance: Purchasing extra baggage space beyond the standard allowance.
• In-flight services: Pre-ordering meals, Wi-Fi access, or entertainment options.
• Travel insurance: Protecting against unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies.
Frequent flyer members can also redeem miles or points for ticket purchases, upgrades, or additional services. Some airlines reserve seats specifically for frequent flyer members, allowing them to book using their accumulated points.
4. Payment Processing
• Travelers can make payments for the selected flight and any additional services using credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers.
• Airlines use secure payment gateways to process transactions and verify payment details.
• Once payment is successfully processed, the traveler receives a confirmation receipt.
5. Issuance of E-Ticket
• After payment is confirmed, the airline issues an electronic ticket (e-ticket), which serves as proof of booking.
• The e-ticket is sent to the traveler’s email and contains details such as:
o Passenger’s name
o Flight number
o Departure and arrival times
o Departure and destination airports
o Seat number (if selected)
o Ticket price and booking reference
• The e-ticket is required for online check-in and airport check-in procedures.
6. Check-In and Boarding
• Check-in is the process where travelers confirm their presence on the flight.
• Airlines offer multiple check-in options:
o Online check-in (via the airline’s website or mobile app) allows travelers to check in before reaching the airport, typically 24 to 48 hours before departure.
o Airport check-in at self-service kiosks or airline counters for those who prefer in-person assistance.
• The Departure Control System (DCS) manages check-in and boarding by generating boarding passes.
• Travelers must present their boarding pass and identification at security checkpoints before proceeding to the boarding gate.
7. Baggage Handling and Reclaim
• If travelers have checked baggage, they drop it off at the airline counter, where it is tagged with a unique barcode.
• The baggage handling system scans the tag and sorts the luggage based on its destination.
• Upon arrival, passengers collect their luggage from the baggage claim area by matching their baggage tag with the one provided at check-in.
By following these steps, travelers can successfully book and manage their flight reservations, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
