---
title: "What is an e-ticket number | Business Class Glossary"
description: "The 13-digit number of an issued airline ticket. Its first three digits identify the airline, and it proves the ticket exists in the airline's system."
canonical_url: https://buybusinessclass.com/glossary/e-ticket-number
last_updated: 2026-11-04
---

# What is an e-ticket number?

Source: https://buybusinessclass.com/glossary/e-ticket-number

The 13-digit number of an issued airline ticket. Its first three digits identify the airline, and it proves the ticket exists in the airline's system.

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## E-ticket number, explained

When a ticket is issued, the airline's system gives it a 13-digit ticket number. The first three digits are the code of the airline that issued it.

The ticket number is different from the booking reference: a booking can exist without a ticket, but a ticket number means the seat is paid and issued. You can check it on the airline's website with your name.

An issued ticket also carries a status for each flight, such as open for use or flown, which the airline updates as the trip goes. If your flights change, the ticket is revalidated, keeping its number, or reissued under a new one.

### On a business class trip

After paying an agent for a business class trip, you receive the e-ticket number and can look up the trip on the airline's own website.

## Related terms

-   [Record locator (PNR)](https://buybusinessclass.com/glossary/record-locator)
    
    The six-character code of a booking, also called a booking reference, confirmation code or PNR. You use it to manage the trip.
    
-   [IATA accreditation](https://buybusinessclass.com/glossary/iata-accreditation)
    
    Registration with the International Air Transport Association that lets an agency issue airline tickets. Each accredited agency has a number you can check.
    
-   [Consolidator fare](https://buybusinessclass.com/glossary/consolidator-fare)
    
    A fare an airline sells through agencies at a negotiated price it does not publish on its own website, often below the published fare for the same seat.
    

Further reading: [How to check a booking](https://buybusinessclass.com/blog/is-buybusinessclass-legit). [Every term in the glossary](https://buybusinessclass.com/glossary).

## Questions about a fare? Ask an agent

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