Domestic airlines in China switched to electronic air travel tickets on Monday, but will continue to use paper tickets in a few situations.

The China Air Transport Association (CATA) stopped selling paper tickets to retailers yesterday and electronic air travel tickets will be used completely by the end of next year.

Information for the electronic air travel tickets will be stored in an online booking system. Travellers can use their ID and flight information to board for their trip. Returning or exchanging tickets can be done through the Internet.

There are three situations where paper tickets are still needed. Babies or disabled soldiers must continue to use them. Cities without the technology will still rely on the old system. Also the airline company can order that the paper tickets should be used.

The use of E-tickets is meant to save printing and other related costs, with many experts believing that this will lead to lower ticket prices.

China