AIR Jamaica, citing cost factors and passenger convenience, has introduced electronic ticket purchasing for travellers, with the hope, the airline says, of eventually replacing traditional paper ticket with the electronic alternative.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the national airline said that travellers may now purchase electronic tickets via its website or through their travel agencies, by telephone, or at the airline's ticket offices.

The e-ticket is an electronic image of the traditional paper ticket, but has the advantage of being a permanent part of the passenger's reservation.

The airline says that as it moves towards replacing the traditional paper ticket with the electronic form, it will, beginning November 21, charge those passengers who insist on having the traditional ticket, US$15.

"Air Jamaica is moving towards total electronic ticketing which is safer and more convenient for the passenger and cost-effective for the airline," said the airline in its press statement outlining the changes. "In light of this, passengers who insist on receiving a traditional paper ticket after November 20, will be charged an additional US$15. If the journey involves a destination or an airline that does not have e-ticketing capabilities a paper ticket will be issued at no additional cost."

To use the e-ticketing service, passengers may log on to the Air Jamaica's website at www.airjamaica.com and click on "booking". Alternatively, passengers call the airline's reservations centre of their travel agent.

The airline says that those passengers who make purchase with credit card will be able to receive their ticket immediately.

"Once the charge is processed a confirmation code will be issued for travel. Passengers may simply quote the code or present the e-receipt at airport check-in to receive a boarding pass."

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