Finding your 13-digit airline ticket number is essential for check-in, customer service, and compensation claims. Each airline displays ticket numbers differently across their booking confirmations, mobile apps, and boarding passes. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly where to locate your ticket number for every major airline, with specific instructions for popular carriers like Air India, Vistara, and international airlines.
Understanding the 13-Digit Ticket Number Format
Every airline ticket worldwide uses a standardized 13-digit format mandated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This number serves as your unique identifier throughout your entire travel experience, from booking to baggage claim.
Standard format: XXX-XXXXXXXXXX
- First 3 digits: Airline code (e.g., 098 for Air India, 997 for Vistara, 999 for Lion Air)
- Next 10 digits: Unique serial number for your specific ticket
Real-world examples from boarding passes:
- Vistara: 22824005516688 (note: some airlines omit the 997 prefix on boarding passes)
- Air India: 22859050455002 (displayed without 098 prefix on physical boarding passes)
- Lion Air: 999195398268 (full format with airline code)
Common airline codes for reference:
- 001: American Airlines
- 098: Air India
- 176: Emirates
- 220: Air France
- 997: Vistara
- 999: Lion Air (Indonesia)
Understanding this format helps you verify you’ve found the correct number and distinguish it from confirmation codes, flight numbers, or other travel identifiers. For comprehensive guidance on ticket number systems, see our detailed airline ticket decoding guide.
Where to Find 13-Digit Ticket Number in Vistara Airlines
Vistara E-Ticket Confirmation Email
When you book Vistara flights through Aviasales or directly with the airline, your confirmation email contains the ticket number in multiple locations:
Primary location: Look for “E-Ticket Number” or “Ticket Number” in the passenger details section. Vistara typically displays this as “997-XXXXXXXXXX” format.
Secondary location: Check the booking summary section where all flight details are listed together.
Mobile-friendly tip: Vistara’s confirmation emails are optimized for mobile viewing, with ticket numbers prominently displayed in larger fonts for easy identification.
Vistara Mobile App
The Vistara mobile app displays your 13-digit ticket number in several places:
- My Bookings section: Tap on your booking to see full details including the ticket number
- Trip summary: Scroll down to find ticket numbers for each passenger
- Check-in screen: Available once check-in opens 48 hours before departure
- Boarding pass: Clearly marked after completing mobile check-in
Vistara Boarding Pass
On Vistara boarding passes, the 13-digit ticket number appears in multiple strategic locations for easy identification:
Main boarding pass section: Look in the center area near the passenger name. On Vistara boarding passes, the ticket number appears as a 13-digit sequence typically formatted as 997-XXXXXXXXX, clearly visible in the main passenger information area.
Frequent flyer section: The ticket number (e.g., 22824005516688) is prominently displayed alongside the frequent flyer number in the passenger details section.
Barcode area: The ticket number appears in human-readable format near the barcodes on both the main boarding pass and the stub section.
Important note: Vistara boarding passes generated through partner airlines may show the partner’s airline code instead of 997. Always verify which airline issued your actual ticket by checking the airline branding and flight number prefix.
Vistara Website Account
Log into your Vistara account on their website to find ticket numbers:
- Navigate to “Manage Booking” section
- Enter your booking reference or log in with your account
- View complete booking details including all ticket numbers
- Download or print detailed itinerary with ticket information
Where to Find 13-Digit Ticket Number in Air India
Air India E-Ticket Documentation
Air India’s booking system provides ticket numbers in their confirmation documentation:
E-ticket receipt: Look for “Ticket/Document Number” clearly labeled in the passenger information section. Air India uses the format “098-XXXXXXXXXX” for their ticket numbers.
Booking confirmation email: Air India sends comprehensive confirmation emails with ticket numbers displayed prominently in both the email header and detailed itinerary sections.
SMS confirmations: Air India also sends SMS notifications containing abbreviated ticket information, though the full 13-digit number typically appears only in email confirmations.
Air India Mobile Application
The official Air India mobile app provides easy access to ticket numbers:
- Login to your account using your booking reference or frequent flyer number
- Select your upcoming trip from the bookings list
- View trip details where ticket numbers are displayed for each passenger
- Access mobile boarding pass which includes the ticket number
Pro tip: Download the Air India app before traveling internationally, as it provides offline access to ticket numbers and booking details when internet connectivity is limited.
Air India Boarding Pass Locations
Air India boarding passes display the 13-digit ticket number in multiple locations for redundancy and easy identification:
Primary location: On Air India boarding passes, the ticket number appears prominently in the main passenger section. For example, a typical Air India ticket number like 22859050455002 will be clearly displayed alongside passenger details and flight information.
Barcode section: The ticket number appears in human-readable format near the barcode area, typically formatted without hyphens for easy scanning.
Stub section: The detachable stub also contains the complete ticket number for passenger reference after boarding.
Mobile boarding passes: On Air India mobile boarding passes, swipe or scroll to see additional details including the complete 13-digit ticket number prominently displayed.
Air India Website Portal
The Air India website provides comprehensive ticket information:
- Visit airindia.in and navigate to “Manage Booking”
- Enter your PNR (booking reference) and last name
- Access complete booking details including ticket numbers for all passengers
- Print or download detailed itinerary documents
For travelers booking Air India flights through Aviasales, you’ll receive both the Aviasales booking confirmation and Air India’s e-ticket documentation containing the official ticket number.
Universal Ticket Number Locations Across All Airlines
Standard E-Ticket Positions
Regardless of which airline you fly or which platform you book through (whether Aviasales, EKTA Traveling, or directly with airlines), ticket numbers typically appear in these locations:
E-ticket confirmation emails:
- Header section with booking summary
- Passenger details section
- Flight itinerary breakdown
- Terms and conditions footer
Booking platform confirmations: When booking through travel platforms, you’ll receive multiple confirmations:
- Platform confirmation (from Aviasales, etc.)
- Airline confirmation (from the actual carrier)
- Payment confirmation (from your payment provider)
The airline confirmation contains the official 13-digit ticket number, while platform confirmations may show booking references.
Mobile Boarding Pass Standards
Most airlines follow similar patterns for mobile boarding pass display:
- Main screen: Ticket number visible without scrolling
- Detailed view: Tap or swipe for complete ticket information
- QR code section: Numbers typically appear near scannable codes
- Passenger information: Along with name and flight details
Physical Boarding Pass Layout
Traditional paper boarding passes follow industry-standard layouts:
Top section (tear-off portion):
- Flight details and seat assignment
- Ticket number usually in smaller print
Bottom section (passenger keeps):
- Complete passenger and flight information
- Prominent ticket number display
- Barcode with encoded ticket data
Economy Class Booking and Ticket Numbers
Economy Class Ticket Identification
Economy class tickets follow the same 13-digit numbering system as other cabin classes, but may include class-specific indicators in airline systems. When booking economy flights through Aviasales, your ticket number remains consistent regardless of cabin class.
Economy class booking considerations:
- Ticket numbers don’t change if you upgrade cabin class
- Basic economy may have different change/refund policies
- Seat selection and baggage allowances vary by economy type
- Frequent flyer mile accrual may differ for discount economy fares
Finding Ticket Numbers in Economy Bookings
Economy class reservations display ticket numbers in identical locations to premium cabins:
Confirmation documentation: Full 13-digit number appears regardless of fare type Mobile apps: Economy bookings receive same ticket number visibility Boarding passes: No difference in ticket number display between cabin classes Customer service: Representatives can locate your booking using the ticket number regardless of fare class
For guidance on maximizing economy class value, explore our comprehensive guides to cheapest flights from USA to Nigeria and other budget-friendly routing options.
International Airlines Ticket Number Locations
Middle Eastern Carriers
Emirates: Ticket numbers appear prominently in their distinctive red confirmation emails and mobile app. Look for “E-ticket number” in the booking summary section.
Qatar Airways: Displays ticket numbers in both English and Arabic on their confirmations. The 13-digit number appears in the passenger details section.
Etihad Airways: Uses a clean, minimalist confirmation format with ticket numbers clearly labeled in the flight summary.
When booking these airlines through Aviasales, you’ll receive both the platform confirmation and the airline’s official e-ticket containing the ticket number.
European Airlines
Lufthansa: German efficiency extends to their clear ticket number display in both email confirmations and mobile boarding passes.
British Airways: Ticket numbers appear in the “Your e-ticket” section of confirmation emails and prominently in their mobile app.
Air France: Provides ticket numbers in both French and English confirmations, typically in the “Billet électronique” section.
Asian Airlines
Lion Air (Indonesia): Uses airline code 999 for their 13-digit ticket numbers (format: 999-XXXXXXXXX). On Lion Air e-tickets, the ticket number appears prominently in the “Passenger Details” section, clearly labeled as “eTicket Number” followed by the full 13-digit sequence. Their e-tickets also display the booking reference separately, helping distinguish between the permanent ticket number and temporary booking codes.
Singapore Airlines: Known for excellent customer service, their confirmations clearly display ticket numbers in the booking summary.
ANA (All Nippon Airways): Provides ticket numbers in both Japanese and English, with clear labeling in confirmation emails.
Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-based carrier displays ticket numbers prominently in their confirmation emails and mobile app.
Garuda Indonesia: Indonesia’s flag carrier uses similar e-ticket formatting to Lion Air, with ticket numbers displayed in the passenger details section of confirmation documents.
American Airlines
United Airlines: Ticket numbers appear in the “Trip summary” section of confirmation emails and mobile app bookings.
American Airlines: Clear display of ticket numbers in both confirmation emails and mobile boarding passes.
Delta Air Lines: Provides ticket numbers in their confirmation emails and SkyMiles app for easy access.
Troubleshooting Missing Ticket Numbers
Common Issues and Solutions
Email not received:
- Check spam/junk folders for airline confirmations
- Verify email address was entered correctly during booking
- Contact airline customer service with booking reference
- Request resend of confirmation documents
Ticket number not visible:
- Scroll through entire confirmation email
- Download attached PDF documents
- Check for separate e-ticket documents
- Log into airline website with booking reference
Multiple ticket numbers: For complex itineraries booked through EKTA Traveling or multi-airline bookings:
- Each flight segment may have different ticket numbers
- Different airlines issue separate tickets
- Round-trip bookings typically have two ticket numbers per passenger
Platform-Specific Recovery Methods
Aviasales bookings:
- Log into your Aviasales account
- Access booking history and trip details
- Contact Aviasales customer support if needed
- Use their 24/7 chat support for immediate assistance
Direct airline bookings:
- Use airline website’s “Manage Booking” feature
- Enter confirmation code and passenger last name
- Contact airline customer service directly
- Visit airport ticket counter if traveling soon
Third-party booking platform recovery:
- Check original booking platform account
- Contact platform customer service
- Provide payment confirmation as backup verification
- Request direct airline contact information if needed
For comprehensive troubleshooting guidance, see our common airline ticket problems guide.
Using Ticket Numbers for Travel Benefits
Compensation Claims
Your 13-digit ticket number is essential for claiming compensation through Compensair when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. The ticket number serves as proof of your booking and helps determine compensation eligibility under various regulations.
Required for claims:
- EU261 compensation for European flights
- US Department of Transportation claims
- Airline-specific compensation programs
- Travel insurance claims
Frequent Flyer Programs
Most airlines require ticket numbers to credit miles or points to frequent flyer accounts, especially for flights booked through third parties like Aviasales.
Mile crediting process:
- Log into frequent flyer account
- Navigate to “Add missing miles” section
- Enter ticket number and flight details
- Submit request within specified timeframe (usually 12 months)
Customer Service Interactions
When contacting airline customer service, your ticket number provides immediate access to your booking:
- Faster problem resolution
- Access to complete booking history
- Ability to make changes or cancellations
- Verification of passenger identity
Advanced Ticket Number Features
Group Booking Management
When booking group travel through EKTA Traveling, each passenger receives individual ticket numbers linked to a master reservation. This structure allows:
- Individual passenger modifications
- Separate check-in processes
- Independent refund handling
- Coordinated group management
Multi-Segment Itineraries
Complex routing booked through platforms like Aviasales may involve multiple ticket numbers:
- Each airline = separate ticket number
- Round-trip = typically two ticket numbers
- Open-jaw itineraries = multiple numbers per passenger
For guidance on complex itinerary management, see our explanation of separate tickets and connections.
Currency and International Booking Considerations
When booking international flights through Aviasales, ticket numbers remain consistent regardless of the currency used for booking. For example, Lion Air tickets booked through international platforms will still display the same 999-XXXXXXXXX format, but fare breakdowns may show conversions between Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and your local currency.
Important currency considerations:
- Ticket numbers never change based on payment currency
- E-tickets may show fares in multiple currencies for reference
- Base fare vs. total cost breakdowns help understand tax components
- International booking platforms often provide clearer currency conversion information than airline direct bookings
International Documentation
For visa applications and immigration purposes, ticket numbers provide official proof of travel plans:
- Embassy visa interview documentation
- Immigration officer verification
- Travel insurance policy validation
- Business travel expense reporting
This documentation is particularly important for applications covered in our UK visa guide for Nigerians and other visa-required destinations.
Mobile Technology and Ticket Numbers
Smartphone Integration
Modern smartphones offer various ways to store and access ticket numbers:
- Wallet apps: Store boarding passes with embedded ticket numbers
- Note-taking apps: Create secure notes with travel information
- Travel apps: Consolidate multiple bookings and ticket numbers
- Cloud storage: Backup confirmation documents across devices
Offline Access Considerations
When traveling internationally to destinations covered in guides like flights from Lagos to Tokyo, ensure offline access to ticket numbers:
- Screenshot confirmation emails
- Download airline mobile apps
- Print backup copies of e-tickets
- Save ticket numbers in phone notes
Security and Privacy
Protect your ticket numbers from unauthorized access:
- Avoid sharing screenshots on social media
- Use secure password managers for storage
- Enable screen locks on devices containing travel information
- Consider privacy settings when using travel apps
Regional Considerations and Local Airlines
Indian Domestic Carriers
Beyond Air India and Vistara, other Indian airlines follow similar ticket number display patterns:
IndiGo: Displays ticket numbers prominently in their confirmation emails and mobile app SpiceJet: Provides clear ticket number identification in booking confirmations GoAir: Uses standard IATA format for ticket number display
International Routing from India
For routes covered in our destination guides, such as flights from India to international destinations, ticket numbers remain crucial for:
- Customs and immigration documentation
- Transit visa requirements
- Connection management at international hubs
- Emergency rebooking situations
Southeast Asian Travel Patterns
For travelers exploring routes like Jakarta to Denpasar (Bali) or other Indonesian domestic connections, ticket numbers remain crucial for:
- Immigration documentation at international gateways
- Connecting flight management through major hubs
- Travel insurance claims and coverage verification
- Customer service interactions across language barriers
Lion Air and Indonesian carriers: Indonesian airlines like Lion Air prominently display ticket numbers on their e-tickets, typically in the “Passenger Details” section with clear English labeling. The format 999-XXXXXXXXX makes Lion Air tickets easily identifiable, and their e-ticket system provides comprehensive fare breakdowns including base fares, taxes, and surcharges in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Budget Carrier Considerations
Low-cost carriers often use simplified confirmation formats, but ticket numbers appear in standard locations:
- Email confirmations typically include ticket numbers
- Mobile apps provide access to complete booking details
- Additional services (baggage, seats) don’t change ticket numbers
- Customer service requires ticket numbers for assistance
Conclusion: Mastering Ticket Number Location
Finding your 13-digit ticket number is fundamental to successful air travel, whether you’re flying economy class on Vistara, booking Air India international routes, or coordinating complex itineraries through Aviasales. Understanding where each airline displays this crucial information empowers you to handle check-ins, customer service interactions, and potential travel disruptions with confidence.
Remember that ticket numbers serve as your primary identification throughout the travel process. Keep them accessible, secure, and backed up across multiple platforms. With proper ticket number management, you’ll be prepared for any travel situation, from routine boarding to emergency rebooking scenarios requiring assistance from Compensair or other travel support services.
For more comprehensive travel guidance and booking strategies, explore our complete collection of airline ticket guides and discover how proper preparation transforms your travel experience.
