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I tried showing the airport security people in MNL my travel documents on my Blackberry and they would have none of that. They wanted a paper document of some sort.
Another problem that I have had while traveling with e-tickets involves proof of exit from a country that I am visiting. Some countries require, upon arrival, proof of intention and means to exit. Twice recently, I have been traveling into and out of a country by e-tickets on two different airlines. Once was with Thai Air from Shanghai to Bangkok and another from Singapore to Manila on Singapore Airlines. Both times they wanted proof of intention and means to exit before they would give be a boarding pass to my destination. E-ticket number or record locator was insufficient proof, as was viewing my travel documents on my Blackberry. They wanted something in print because they said that they would be held liable if I was asked for proof of exit, by Customs in my destination city, and could not provide it.
Until airports come up to speed with e-tickets, and airlines arrange to consistantly exchange e-ticket information, I think air travelers are exposing themselve to potential delays, denied boarding etc by not having some physical form of travel documents in their posession for international travel. In the case of my SIN to MNL flight, I did not have time to get to a business center and print out my documents so I missed my flight that day and had to rebook for the next morning. Thankfully, in the case of the PVG to BKK flight, I did have time to get my documents printed and made it to Phuket for my precious holiday!
My advice: Until e-ticketing matures a little more, print and carry travel documents, even for e-tickets...
Regards
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