Aviation & Travel Tech Lexicon

Airline & Travel Technology Glossary

The definitive dictionary of airline reservation systems, GDS cryptic syntax, PNR protocols, IATA NDC data standards, and distribution architecture.

All A D E F G M N O P S T W

E-Ticket ticketing

Electronic Ticket (ETKT)

A 13-digit digital flight document stored in an airline reservation database that represents a paid contract of carriage between the passenger and airline, superseding traditional paper tickets.

Real-World: An Emirates e-ticket starting with airline accounting code 176 (e.g. 176-2489102834) is issued only after credit card or BSP settlement is confirmed.

The first 3 digits represent the IATA airline accounting prefix.
Differs from a PNR: A PNR is the reservation container; the e-ticket is the financial coupon.
Linked directly to the flight segments inside the passenger's PNR.

EMD ticketing

Electronic Miscellaneous Document

The IATA standard electronic document used to collect and fulfill airline ancillary services, penalty fees, excess baggage, lounge access, and seat selection charges.

Real-World: When an agent adds an extra 23kg checked bag to a reservation, an EMD-A (Associated) coupon is generated and tied to the primary e-ticket coupon.

EMD-A is associated directly with a flight ticket flight coupon.
EMD-S is a standalone voucher used for non-flight services like lounge entry or ground transport.
Standardized by IATA Resolution 725f across GDS and travel agencies.