To cut down on printing costs, airlines are encouraging customers to use e-tickets instead of the paper kind. (An e-ticket is simply a confirmation number that secures your seat; you still get a printed receipt and itinerary.) In some cases, e-tickets may be your only option. Although some travelers lament the loss of paper tickets, e-tickets offer some distinct advantages.

You can't lose an e-ticket. If you lose a paper ticket, the average replacement fee is $75.

No ticketing fee. If e-tickets are available, many airlines (including US Airways and United) charge $20 to $25 to issue a paper ticket instead. And on-line agencies may charge a paper-ticket delivery fee ($20 with Orbitz, for example) on top of the airline's.

Many major airlines offer additional incentives (Web-only fares, additional frequent-flyer miles) to passengers who use e-ticketing.

If you're traveling on short notice, an e-ticket saves you any worry about tickets arriving late.

Most airports have self-service check-in kiosks where e-ticketed passengers can obtain a boarding pass and skip the line at the ticket counter. Some airlines, such as American and Continental, also allow you to print out boarding passes at their websites.

Tips for Using E-Tickets

Bring a printed copy of your reservation with you to the airport. This receipt is your safety net should there be a mix-up with the reservation.

Make sure you have a government-issued ID (your passport, for international travel) and your printed receipt or confirmation at check-in.

With some e-tickets bought directly from the airline, you will also need to present the credit card you used.

Allow time at the airport to pick up your boarding pass before going through security.