Booking reference, e-ticket and boarding pass

These documents do different jobs. Knowing which one you need makes it easier to check your booking and prepare for departure.

Before you fly · 4 min read

The quick answer

A booking reference identifies a reservation. An e-ticket receipt records an issued ticket. A boarding pass relates to check-in. A reservation reference alone does not prove that ticketing is complete.

Your booking reference finds the reservation

The reference may be labelled PNR, booking code or record locator. Airlines commonly use a short mix of letters and numbers. An agency may also provide its own reference, so keep the labels attached when you save them.

Emirates' official guide shows its six-character booking reference separately from its ticket number. If a website does not recognise your code, check that you are using the reference it asks for and the surname exactly as recorded.

Your e-ticket confirms the ticketing stage

Ask for your issued ticket confirmation and review every passenger and flight. Traditional airline e-tickets normally have a separate ticket number; formats and booking systems can vary. A payment receipt tells you that a payment was recorded, but should not be used on its own to establish the current ticket status.

With Travelcart, we issue tickets after payment is confirmed and ticketing is completed. If you have received a reservation while arranging payment, follow the stated deadline and wait for the ticket confirmation. Tell us promptly if you expected it and cannot find it.

Your boarding pass comes from check-in

Once check-in is completed, the airline may provide a mobile or printed boarding pass, or ask you to collect one after checks at the airport. Keep any such instruction alongside your itinerary.

The gate or seat may change, so continue following airport screens and airline updates. Having a boarding pass does not replace your passport or the other documents required for the journey.

Keep one clear travel folder

Save the latest itinerary, ticket confirmation, airline reference and any agreed changes together. Check departure and arrival dates carefully, especially overnight flights. If there are several travellers, confirm that everyone is represented.

If something looks wrong, send your adviser the relevant detail through the usual private booking channel. Do not post boarding-pass barcodes, passport images or full booking details publicly. For a missing Travelcart confirmation, contact our team with your booking reference and travel date.

Your checklist

  • Agency and airline references labelled
  • Ticket confirmation received and checked
  • Latest itinerary saved
  • Check-in instructions kept with travel documents

Questions and answers

Is my booking number the same as my ticket number?

Usually they are different. Check the labels on your confirmation. Your booking adviser can identify the correct reference for the airline's website.

Does a confirmed reservation mean my ticket is issued?

Not necessarily. Ask for ticketing confirmation rather than relying on the reservation reference or a payment screenshot alone.

What if I cannot find my e-ticket email?

Check your inbox and junk folder, then contact the company that booked your flight. If you booked with Travelcart, we can help locate the confirmation.

Keep planning your journey

Sources and latest guidance

Last checked: 2026-09-13