"The Pro's" Can't Give Me a Straight Answer

[thefirstnoel]

We'll be sailing on Celebrity March 16th to the western Caribbean for 11 days. I've completed all online information and luggage tags are on the way. (by mail which I was told was a no-no) Nobody appears to be able to direct me or answer my question: "Are e-tickets the same as "Xpress Passes" or are e-tickets something separate that I also need to print out that has to do with the airline I used? When the 3 professional entities answered, all answer's were different. Choice Air said to go through my airline (we didn't use choice air but was told to call them for help by another professional, and several times I was given instructions to print out e-tickets by going back to on-line check in and follow their instructions. Every person told me something different and I still don't know if they mean the e-ticket number I have listed on my Alaska Airlines paperwork or something printed through them. I have made MANY calls and still can't get a simple question answered. (Never did get a hold of Alaska Airlines) Since everything is on-line now, don't you think they could explain things right and not get a different answer from each party? I know one booking agency I will never use again. 13 calls to them on various issues. Can someone answer this question and tell me what am I doing wrong or missing? If it's so easy, nobody can give me a solid answer and I'm getting really bugged. Please help. Nobody else seems to be able to.

[Hlitner]

Ok, Take a deep breath, relax, and look forward to your upcoming cruise. So let's try and separate your issues since you are dealing with the cruise line ticketing and airline ticketing. Since you did not use Choice Air they have absolutely nothing do to with anything and you should just put them out of your mind (until perhaps your next cruise).

 

If you have properly completed all the online Celebrity forms (on the Celebrity site) you will be able (as soon as you are within the appropriate time frame of your cruise) print out (on your home printer) an Xpress Pass covering each passenger. This is a simple form that will help you quickly be processed once you reach the cruise port. If you get your personalized luggage tags this is also helpful (do not put these on your luggage until you arrive in the embarkation city). If you would not get your luggage tags it is no big deal since the porters would simply provide them at the port (before you turn over your luggage).

 

As to your air, since you did your own air you need to make sure your reservations are correct and all is well. So called e-tickets are simply tickets issued by your own airline (you can usually print them out at home...but can also obtain them at your departure airport). The e-tickets are your airline tickets and have nothing to do with the Celebrity Xpress Pass (which is simply a short form cruise line ticket that makes embarkation faster and easier). Since you booked with Alaska Air you should be able to simply go onto their own web site, and using your airline booking number you can obtain both e-tickets and airline receipts (if you need them).

 

One final issue (and very important) are the necessary documents you need to do a cruise from the USA. This is either a current Passport, or, if a "closed loop" cruise a Certified Birth Certificate and some form of government issued picture ID. There are some exceptions to the closed-loop cruises so if you do not have a Passport (always the best ID) then make sure you have all the required documents.

 

Hank

[GUT2407]

We'll be sailing on Celebrity March 16th to the western Caribbean for 11 days. I've completed all online information and luggage tags are on the way. (by mail which I was told was a no-no) Nobody appears to be able to direct me or answer my question: "Are e-tickets the same as "Xpress Passes" or are e-tickets something separate that I also need to print out that has to do with the airline I used? When the 3 professional entities answered, all answer's were different. Choice Air said to go through my airline (we didn't use choice air but was told to call them for help by another professional, and several times I was given instructions to print out e-tickets by going back to on-line check in and follow their instructions. Every person told me something different and I still don't know if they mean the e-ticket number I have listed on my Alaska Airlines paperwork or something printed through them. I have made MANY calls and still can't get a simple question answered. (Never did get a hold of Alaska Airlines) Since everything is on-line now, don't you think they could explain things right and not get a different answer from each party? I know one booking agency I will never use again. 13 calls to them on various issues. Can someone answer this question and tell me what am I doing wrong or missing? If it's so easy, nobody can give me a solid answer and I'm getting really bugged. Please help. Nobody else seems to be able to.

 

Sounds like cruise lines, ask 3 different people get eight different answers.

 

Print your airline tickets, print your xpress pass and you should be good to go, but then I know nothing about Alaska Air.

[NMLady]

We'll be sailing on Celebrity March 16th to the western Caribbean for 11 days. I've completed all online information and luggage tags are on the way. (by mail which I was told was a no-no) Nobody appears to be able to direct me or answer my question: "Are e-tickets the same as "Xpress Passes" or are e-tickets something separate that I also need to print out that has to do with the airline I used? When the 3 professional entities answered, all answer's were different. Choice Air said to go through my airline (we didn't use choice air but was told to call them for help by another professional, and several times I was given instructions to print out e-tickets by going back to on-line check in and follow their instructions. Every person told me something different and I still don't know if they mean the e-ticket number I have listed on my Alaska Airlines paperwork or something printed through them. I have made MANY calls and still can't get a simple question answered. (Never did get a hold of Alaska Airlines) Since everything is on-line now, don't you think they could explain things right and not get a different answer from each party? I know one booking agency I will never use again. 13 calls to them on various issues. Can someone answer this question and tell me what am I doing wrong or missing? If it's so easy, nobody can give me a solid answer and I'm getting really bugged. Please help. Nobody else seems to be able to.

 

The problem is you are confusing them with two different things.

Hlitner did an excellent job of explaining that cruise line Xpress pass and your airline e-tickets are two different things. All that I would add is that you don't need to print out your airline e-tickets. Since they are electronic they are in the airline computer. Since you have a ticket number on your Alaska airline paperwork you know the airline has your ticket number in their computer. You do not need an actual ticket.

What you need to get through airport security and to get on the plane is a boarding pass. That serves as your ticket. Most airlines you can print one out online not more than 24 hours before your flight. That usually gets you in one of the first boarding groups.

Or you can wait until you are at the airport and have the skycap or the desk clerk print your boarding pass for you when you give them your luggage. All you need is your identification such as passport or drivers license or other govt photo id. And they will find your reservation/e-ticket in their computer and will print out your boarding pass.

Edited February 14, 2015 by NMLady

[thefirstnoel]

Why couldn't the cruise line, choice air, (who I was told to call) and the agency that will never get my business again, tell me in your terms (Hank and other's) exactly what they meant by an e-ticket? I asked that simple question (over and over) and with no answer to this by so many people. We've flown many times and I was assuming they meant the electronic airline ticket, but they kept "acting" as if I had print my luggage tags in order to get these un-named e- tickets. I'm supposed to be getting my luggage tags in the mail which the booking agency said "they can't do that", you have to print them.

All I can say is thank you for clarifying a simple question for me while three other companies couldn't give me a straight answer or even help me. It has been a nightmare with the booking company and at one point they gave me the wrong cabin and then cancelled my reservation!

Thanks again. You guys know so much more than the people who should know what the left and right hand are doing. THANK YOU for helping me have some peace. As you can tell, I'm type "A"!

[thefirstnoel]

Why couldn't they make it as simple as your reply? You are great and the agencies need you to inform them of peoples questions. You've helped more than you know. I can't thank you enough.

 

Noel

[Hlitner]

Just a few more comments about luggage tags and the confusion of some in the travel industry. Folks at agencies are generally order taker/sales folks of varying personal experience when it comes to actual cruise line practices and policy.

 

But, most cruise lines no longer mail luggage tags and simply ask the passengers to go online, print out their luggage tags, fold the paper printouts in a specific way, and put them on their own luggage. Celebrity is one of the few exceptions and will still mail luggage tails to those who complete the request form (which is on the bottom of their online booking form). And as I mentioned, you can still go on the cruise if you have NO luggage tags. You simply show the porters (at the port) your xpress pass (or another document that shows your cabin number) and they will quickly fill out tags and put them on your bags while you watch.

 

Hank

[sail7seas]

)

 

 

 

<snip>

 

One final issue (and very important) are the necessary documents you need to do a cruise from the USA. This is either a current Passport, or, if a "closed loop" cruise a Certified Birth Certificate and some form of government issued picture ID. There are some exceptions to the closed-loop cruises so if you do not have a Passport (always the best ID) then make sure you have all the required documents.

 

Hank

 

 

 

This may not apply to you but for anyone reading, the closed loop cruise and acceptable ID documents pertain to U.S. citizens. If non-U.S., the rules are different.

 

[cb at sea]

No one uses real "tickets" anymore for anything.....As long as you have your booking number, you can board the ship. You don't NEED to print anything, but it will speed your checkin along a little... You say you booked through a TA...so tell them to SEND you what you need...it's their job. If they tell you that YOU can print it...tell them, "YOU print it, and send it to me!"

 

I always print my airline booking confirmation...that's all you need. You can print your boarding passes when you get to the airport!

Edited February 14, 2015 by cb at sea

[sail7seas]

No one uses real "tickets" anymore for anything.....As long as you have your booking number, you can board the ship. You don't NEED to print anything, but it will speed your checkin along a little... You say you booked through a TA...so tell them to SEND you what you need...it's their job. If they tell you that YOU can print it...tell them, "YOU print it, and send it to me!"

 

I always print my airline booking confirmation...that's all you need. You can print your boarding passes when you get to the airport!

 

There have been times when we entered Port Everglades in a taxi going to the ship and the when we were being cleared by Broward Sheriffs at the Security Booth, they asked to see our ship's boarding passes. I am sure in time we would have cleared without the paper copy but I am quite sure they would have held us there while they did they 'investigation'. When told to print them, it's a good idea to print the pertinent first page. Unless you want the whole cruise contract paper copy, you really only need that first page.

 

As to telling the cruise line to send it to you......... good luck and why would you?

[Cruisin' Chick]

Just a few more comments about luggage tags and the confusion of some in the travel industry. Folks at agencies are generally order taker/sales folks of varying personal experience when it comes to actual cruise line practices and policy.

 

But, most cruise lines no longer mail luggage tags and simply ask the passengers to go online, print out their luggage tags, fold the paper printouts in a specific way, and put them on their own luggage. Celebrity is one of the few exceptions and will still mail luggage tails to those who complete the request form (which is on the bottom of their online booking form). And as I mentioned, you can still go on the cruise if you have NO luggage tags. You simply show the porters (at the port) your xpress pass (or another document that shows your cabin number) and they will quickly fill out tags and put them on your bags while you watch.

 

Hank

 

Hank's right, especially if you're using one of those online websites to book your cruise. They always seem to have a photo of some pretty young thing with headphones on to show who might be taking your order. Many of the actual operators taking the calls may have never been on a cruise, much less have been anywhere near a large body of water.

 

For those who are new to booking vacations, including cruises, using a cruise specialist (a travel agent who is knowledgeable about all things cruising) can be beneficial. You might save a few bucks going with the discount website, but you'll get better service with someone who wants to do a great job and get more business from you in the future.

 

And yes, in the past several years, more things such as tickets need to be printed out by the customer, but then most people have access to a computer and printer. But if you don't, one of the specialists I mentioned above may be more likely to go ahead and print out your boarding tickets, luggage tags, etc., for you.

[SadieN]

No one said this yet...

Many will put cruise line tags on after arriving in the embarkation port.

[whogo]

No one said this yet...

Many will put cruise line tags on after arriving in the embarkation port.

 

No one mentioned it except Hank. Twice.

 

If you would not get your luggage tags it is no big deal since the porters would simply provide them at the port (before you turn over your luggage).

 

Hank

 

And as I mentioned, you can still go on the cruise if you have NO luggage tags. You simply show the porters (at the port) your xpress pass (or another document that shows your cabin number) and they will quickly fill out tags and put them on your bags while you watch.

 

Hank

[SuiteTraveler]

Just to help clarify, on Alaska Airlines, e-tickets are actually electronic tickets that you can receive through your internet capable mobile device - basically your smartphone such as IPhone, Android or Windows Phone Store capable device. You download the Alaska Airlines App and then you can receive the e-ticket on your phone. This is what an e-ticket looks like for Alaska Airlines:

 

http://www.alaskaair.com/content/gifts-and-products/mobile/mobile-check-in.aspx

 

This option is called Mobile Check-in since you are doing it on a mobile device.

 

You can actually check in and go through security using your e-ticket displayed on your phone. But each person in your group would need to download the Alaska Airlines App and use it to get their own e-ticket on their own phone. If you don't have internet capable phones, don't worry. There are 3 more check in alternatives:

 

1. You can go to the Alaska Airlines Website and print out your ticket 24 hours in advance of your flight using your computer and printer here:

https://webselfservice.alaskaair.com/checkinweb/(0e3snfrcatw5ww55dkf0jkn5)/default.aspx

 

2. You can take your flight confirmation number to the airport and the credit card you used to book your flight and print your tickets at a kiosk.

 

3. Go to the ticket counter and present your ID and confirmation number and get your tickets.

 

Here is the link explaining all the possible check in options for Alaska Airlines:

http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/at-the-airport/airport-check-in-options.aspx

[FlyerTalker]

Just to help clarify, on Alaska Airlines, e-tickets are actually electronic tickets that you can receive through your internet capable mobile device - basically your smartphone such as IPhone, Android or Windows Phone Store capable device. You download the Alaska Airlines App and then you can receive the e-ticket on your phone. This is what an e-ticket looks like for Alaska Airlines:

Sorry....no.

 

The e-ticket is merely the electronic record of your ticket transaction. It does NOT need an internet device, app or paper printout. It exists solely as electrons residing in the reservation computer of AS. What it "looks like" is merely a particular airline's choice of data presentation.

 

Now, you may choose to use the AS app but in NO way is it required. There is no need for computer either. One can get and use an e-ticket without touching a single electronic device.

[SadieN]

No one mentioned it except Hank. Twice.

 

 

He's talking about having no luggage tags.

 

I'm talking about if you printed out the luggage tags at home.

[agabbymama]

And don't be upset if you can't even find your eTicket for your flight. I had my receipt where I had purchased the flight, but when I tried to print the boarding pass it said "NOT FOUND".

 

I had booked two people travelling together on the same flight and I paid for both on my credit card. I was able to print my friend's boarding pass. Why the glitch, nobody knew, but it took about 30 minutes for the Supervisor at the Airline Counter to locate my boarding pass buried in the computer system.

 

Sometimes modern technology isn't what it's cracked up to be. I dislike having to use a Kiosk to print my own boarding pass, and have tried to use the counter check-in if available.

 

Just be sure to have your proof of purchase with you. I saved my friend from having to buy a return ticket from Europe (she lost her original ticket). She still had to pay $150 for a duplicate ticket, but not the whole $750 for the ticket, because I had the original purchase confirmation.

[NMLady]

He's talking about having no luggage tags.

 

I'm talking about if you printed out the luggage tags at home.

 

And Hank's first post said if you get your personalised luggage tags do not put them on until your embarkation city.

[SadieN]

And Hank's first post said if you get your personalised luggage tags do not put them on until your embarkation city.

 

 

I see it now. Buried within tons of other info.

 

Why the 'hades' did I get called out for repeating good info when no one else ever does it n other threads?

Go, just go

[FlyerTalker]

And don't be upset if you can't even find your eTicket for your flight. I had my receipt where I had purchased the flight, but when I tried to print the boarding pass it said "NOT FOUND".

A good reason why you want to have the ticket number (a 13 digit number) along with the six character locator. It's the TICKET that matters and what must be found.

I had booked two people travelling together on the same flight and I paid for both on my credit card. I was able to print my friend's boarding pass. Why the glitch, nobody knew, but it took about 30 minutes for the Supervisor at the Airline Counter to locate my boarding pass buried in the computer system.

It wasn't a boarding pass that was lost, it was the ticket itself. The locator is a link to it. If that gets corrupted, you need to find the underlying ticket itself. Think of it in the old days of a library. If the wrong Dewey Decimal number was put on the catalog card, you wouldn't be able to find the book. Yes, it's there on the shelf, but you have the wrong directions to find it. Have the ticket number...the purchase confirmation is just reference material.

Just be sure to have your proof of purchase with you. I saved my friend from having to buy a return ticket from Europe (she lost her original ticket). She still had to pay $150 for a duplicate ticket, but not the whole $750 for the ticket, because I had the original purchase confirmation.

Your friend must have had a paper ticket, as there is no "duplicate ticket" charge for an electronic ticket. (Think about it...did your friend lose the electrons stored on an airline computer?)

 

I'd really like some more details about your story, as a number of details seem a bit out of place when put in the context of electronic tickets. Airline involved for one.

[NMLady]

Why the 'hades' did I get called out for repeating good info when no one else ever does it n other threads?

 

Because you said, " No one said this yet."

[Beachdude]

Because you said, " No one said this yet."

 

Thanks for contributing absolutely nothing to the discussion.

 

Burt

[NMLady]

Thanks for contributing absolutely nothing to the discussion.

 

Burt

 

I had already contributed a really good answer at the very beginning of the discussion.

This time I was answering a different question in this thread. It is your sarcastic reply to me that contributes nothing to the discussion.